President Donald Trump has intensified his crackdown on immigration pathways during his second term, focusing particularly on opportunities for non-Americans to enter or stay in the US. On October 8, 2026, his administration announced an indefinite suspension of the ability for several technology firms, including Microsoft Corp., to sponsor foreign employees for permanent residency. This move targets the government’s Permanent Labor Certification process, a key step toward obtaining a green card.
The administration claims widespread abuses of the program, alleging that tech companies have exploited it to bypass stricter immigration rules. Earlier this year, the Trump administration also overhauled the H-1B visa program, arguing it had been manipulated by employers to bypass labor protections.
Tech companies have been among the most frequent users of the Permanent Labor Certification process, which allows them to hire and sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. The suspension raises concerns about how these companies will fill critical roles and maintain their global talent pipelines.