Microsoft, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL and Capgemini hit by US H-1B, Green Card crackdown

The United States government has suspended eight major technology companies, including Microsoft, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL, Capgemini and Adobe, from its Permanent Labour Certification Programme over alleged immigration abuses.

According to The Indian Express, Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the decision alongside Vice President JD Vance, accusing the companies of exploiting foreign-worker visa programmes.

“I am hereby suspending from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme some of the largest IT outsourcing firms in the world, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini,” Sonderling said.

“We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labour certification applications involving these companies,” he added.

Vance accused Microsoft of replacing dismissed American employees with foreign workers, describing the practice as an abuse of immigration regulations.

Microsoft rejected the allegations, explaining that most of its H-1B applications involved existing employees seeking extensions or status changes.

The restrictions affect employment-based green card certification applications but do not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas.

Industry representatives warned that the decision could disrupt immigration pathways for skilled foreign professionals, particularly Indian technology workers seeking permanent residency.

The administration maintained that its crackdown aims to protect American jobs and prevent immigration fraud.