The Trump administration has launched a major expansion of its immigration enforcement agenda, restricting access to a key employment-based green card process for several of the world's largest technology and outsourcing companies.
The administration has also opened investigations into leading U.S. universities over their use of international visa programmes.
The measures mark one of the administration's most significant actions yet against pathways commonly used by skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
U.S. officials announced that a number of major technology and consulting firms will no longer be able to submit new applications through the permanent labour certification system that underpins many employment-based green card applications.
The affected firms include Microsoft, Adobe and several multinational IT services companies that have historically relied on programmes such as the H-1B visa to recruit highly skilled workers from abroad.
Administration officials argued that some employers have become overly dependent on foreign hiring programmes and have not done enough to prioritise American workers. They contend that loopholes in the system have allowed companies to continue recruiting overseas talent even during periods of domestic layoffs.
The White House says the suspensions are intended to encourage employers to change their hiring practices and demonstrate greater commitment to recruiting within the United States.
The announcement reignites a long-running dispute over the role of high-skilled immigration in the U.S. economy.
Supporters of stricter controls argue that employment visa programmes can be used to suppress wages and limit opportunities for American workers. Critics of the administration's approach counter that foreign professionals often fill specialised roles in sectors facing talent shortages and contribute to innovation, research and economic growth.
Microsoft rejected suggestions that it uses visa programmes to replace domestic workers, saying many of its recent immigration filings involved existing employees rather than new hires. The company also maintains that workers sponsored through the H-1B programme receive compensation comparable to that of other employees performing similar jobs.
The technology industry has repeatedly warned that limiting access to global talent could weaken America's competitive position in fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and software development.
At the same time, federal authorities have expanded scrutiny of higher education institutions that host large numbers of international students and researchers.
Nine prominent universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, are now facing investigations into their use of exchange and academic visa programmes.
Officials say they will examine whether visa categories intended for educational and cultural exchange are being used appropriately and whether foreign influence or financial relationships could affect federally funded research.
Several universities have confirmed receiving subpoenas or requests for information and have said they intend to cooperate with legal requirements while reviewing the government's concerns.
The investigations have heightened concerns across the U.S. higher education sector, which relies heavily on international students and researchers.
Universities warn that tougher immigration policies and increased uncertainty surrounding visas could discourage talented applicants from choosing the United States, potentially benefiting competing destinations in Europe, Canada and Asia.
Education groups note that international students contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy through tuition fees, housing costs and local spending, while also supporting research programmes and innovation.
Some institutions have already reported declines in overseas applications as immigration rules have become more restrictive.
The latest actions build on a series of measures introduced since President Donald Trump returned to office aimed at reducing immigration and tightening oversight of foreign workers, students and researchers.
The administration argues that stronger enforcement is necessary to protect American jobs and ensure visa programmes serve the national interest.
Business groups, technology firms and universities, however, warn that limiting access to international talent could create long-term economic and scientific costs for the United States.
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