What Microsoft’s green card suspension means for Seattle-area workers - The Seattle Times

Once again, a Trump administration blow to the H-1B program is rattling the Seattle-area tech workforce.

Vice President JD Vance announced Thursday that the Trump administration would suspend Microsoft from sponsoring workers on H-1B status for green cards.

The unprecedented move has potentially significant implications for one of the Seattle area’s biggest employers. Like most tech companies, Microsoft has long relied on the H-1B foreign worker program to hire many of its employees.

The suspension raises concerns over whether the company will able to retain many of its H-1B workers beyond the program’s six-year limit. For affected workers, it puts their ability to stay in the U.S. in jeopardy.

While the company swiftly disputed the claims behind the suspension, questions emerged Thursday whether the ban is within the administration’s powers.