Microsoft Among Tech Firms Facing US Green-Card Program Suspension

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USA News | Updated October 10, 2026. This report separates reported developments from unresolved questions and explains why they matter.

What the administration announced

The Trump administration announced action involving Microsoft and several other technology and IT companies in an employment-based permanent-residency program. Vice President JD Vance described the measure as part of increased scrutiny of employer participation. Reuters reported the announcement on October 8.

Why this matters to employees

Employment-based permanent residency can involve several stages, including employer sponsorship and federal agency decisions. An employer’s suspension from a particular program is not the same as automatic cancellation of all existing visas, permanent-resident cards or pending cases. The practical effect depends on the agency action and the individual’s immigration status.

What the PERM suspension actually means

Reuters identified the affected process as Permanent Labor Certification, commonly known as PERM, an employer-sponsored step toward a green card. Officials said the government would stop accepting new PERM applications and processing pending applications from affected employers, including Microsoft and several IT companies. The action does not automatically revoke existing H-1B visas or permanent resident cards. The administration cited alleged fraud and US employment concerns; those allegations should not be treated as independently proven findings. Sources: Reuters report and Reuters explainer.

Questions for affected employers

Companies will need to determine which applications or sponsorship processes are covered, the effective date, whether appeals or reviews are available, and how to communicate with affected employees. Employers should rely on formal agency notices rather than speculation.

What workers can do

Workers who believe their applications may be affected should review official US government notices and consult qualified immigration counsel about their own circumstances. A news report cannot determine the status of any individual application.

What remains uncertain

The full scope, duration and detailed legal grounds of the suspensions require confirmation from official agency documents. Claims that all Microsoft employees or all employment-based green card applicants have lost their immigration status would overstate the announcement.