Microsoft president warns green card changes could harm US tech industry
Microsoft President Brad Smith told Politico that new restrictions from the Trump administration on sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency could damage America's technology sector.
Suspension of sponsorship rights
US Vice President JD Vance issued a memo on October 8, 2026, suspending Microsoft and seven other companies from sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency. The administration stated that these firms must hire American workers before replacing them with foreign employees.
Concerns about talent loss
Brad Smith argued that discouraging skilled migrants from moving to America would push them toward other countries instead. This shift could reduce access to professionals while simultaneously boosting the workforce in competing nations.
Impact on medal holders
Smith noted that five out of six recent tech and science medal recipients were born outside the United States. He believes limiting green card access contradicts the goal of maintaining a strong domestic technology industry.
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