Microsoft and Adobe lose green card approvals amid fraud probe

The Trump administration has hit several tech giants with a pause on the permanent residency track for skilled foreign workers. Microsoft, Adobe and a number of other IT firms will be barred from submitting new or pending permanent labor certifications under the green-card program, officials said, as part of a broader effort to curb what they describe as fraud.

At a White House briefing, Vice President JD Vance framed the move as a push to protect American workers and ensure job advancement isn’t undermined. The government also announced a review of nine universities, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford, over allegations that they’re abusing visa-related programs meant to help international students and researchers work in the United States.

H-1B visas are geared toward highly skilled roles that can be hard to fill with domestic workers. Tech firms are among the largest users of the program, and data cited by authorities show that a substantial share of approvals goes to workers from India. The suspension targets new and pending labor certifications, not other visa categories, which means existing workers and applicants may face delays or uncertainty in their paths to permanent residency.

Microsoft and Adobe did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The other companies listed by the Labor Department include Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata and Wipro. The department said it would work with employers to resolve legitimate issues so they can reapply in the future, but the exact impact on individual workers is still unclear.

For everyday readers, the key takeaway is a signal that visa policy enforcement is tightening. Firms that rely on foreign talent may need to adjust hiring timelines and documentation to move any filings forward. For workers counting on a green card through their employer, the news adds another layer of complexity and potential delays.

Beyond the immediate action, the administration’s inquiry into universities signals a broader look at how international talent programs are used in research and education. Policy changes could follow, which would shape the pipeline of skilled workers and researchers entering the United States in coming years.

Officials emphasized this is an ongoing process, and firms may pursue other lawful routes to hire skilled workers as reviews continue. The government will provide guidance as investigations unfold and as any policy shifts are announced.