Trump administration suspends Microsoft from employee green card visa program

United States president Donald Trump has suspended Microsoft Corporation from a federal immigration program that permits companies to sponsor foreign employees for permanent residence in the country. Game Developer and The Verge both reported on October 8, 2026, that the suspension applies across all divisions of the Redmond, Washington based company, including its Xbox video games business. [1][2][9]

Vice President J.D. Vance stated in a press conference that the administration acted on suspicion of fraud within the permanent labor certification program. According to Game Developer and The Verge, Vance claimed the system was rife with fraud and accused Microsoft of abusing the program while laying off American workers. The Verge and AP News noted that the administration has also suspended other firms, including Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys. [1][2][7]

Game Developer reported that the action suspends the technology firm from applying for visas for international personnel to live and work in the United States. Game Developer noted that this restriction limits the company from hiring talent from outside the United States for its Xbox gaming studios. [1]