GoKawiilTrump Administration Bars Microsoft from H-1B Visa Program, Alleging Abuse
The Trump administration accused Microsoft of abusing the H-1B visa program and said it is cutting off the company's access to it. Microsoft responded that 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B applications last fiscal year were to extend or change status for existing employees rather than hire new workers, and that new-employee filings equaled just 1% of its U.S. workforce. The company said all H-1B employees are paid comparably to other staff in similar roles.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move signals a tougher federal stance on skilled-worker visas that could ripple across the tech industry, which relies heavily on H-1B hiring for specialized talent. Microsoft's detailed rebuttal suggests the company sees the accusation as unfounded and is seeking to shape the public narrative before any formal restrictions take effect. If other major employers face similar scrutiny, it could reshape how tech firms recruit and retain international talent.
- The Trump administration says it is cutting Microsoft's access to the H-1B visa program over alleged abuse.
- Microsoft says 80% of its ~6,000 H-1B filings last year were extensions or status changes, not new hires.
- Microsoft states new H-1B hires equal just 1% of its U.S. workforce and are paid comparably to other employees.
Source: theverge.com — Jay Peters, 2026-10-08
Published there as: “Trump administration says Microsoft ‘abused’ worker visa program and is cutting off access”
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