Microsoft President warns US green card restrictions threaten tech industry competitiveness

Microsoft President Brad Smith has publicly criticized the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the company’s ability to sponsor foreign workers for permanent US residency. The policy, driven by a memo from Vice President JD Vance, also impacts major firms including Adobe, Infosys, and Wipro, citing a need to prioritize American workers. Smith argued that these restrictions risk driving top-tier AI and software engineering talent to other countries, potentially undermining US technological leadership. He highlighted that five of the six recent recipients of national technology and science medals were immigrants, emphasizing the critical role of foreign-born professionals in American innovation. Smith also challenged the administration's claims regarding the green card process, noting that the existing backlog is already a significant barrier. As the policy takes effect, the tech sector faces growing uncertainty, with potential legal challenges and concerns over the long-term impact on the US talent pipeline.