White House bars Microsoft from sponsoring green card applications as JD Vance accuses it of fraud

The White House has barred Microsoft Corp. from continuing to participate in a federal program that lets U.S. companies file for permanent residency (green cards) for employees on H-1B visas after accusing the company of abusing the system to replace American workers with foreign labor. The action follows public criticisms by Ohio Senator JD Vance, who has alleged fraud in Microsoft’s use of the program. Microsoft said it would review the decision and insisted it complies with all applicable immigration laws while cooperating with the government’s inquiry. Officials described the move as part of a broader review of how large tech firms sponsor foreign workers, though they did not provide a timeline or specific numbers of affected cases. Industry observers said the restriction could complicate Microsoft’s ability to sponsor green cards for highly skilled foreign workers in the near term and could intensify policy debates over the H-1B visa program. The White House has signaled a commitment to ensuring integrity in visa programs used by major employers. Microsoft has repeatedly defended its hiring practices and stated it remains dedicated to compliance and to attracting talent globally.