Trump Administration Makes It Difficult for Tech Workers to Gain Green Cards

On October 8th, 2026, multiple sources reported that the Trump administration had barred some of the biggest tech companies in the world from transitioning their H-1B workers to green cards. The move comes after the administration accused these tech firms of fraudulently taking advantage of the H-1B program, one of the most controversial aspects of the US immigration system. If you are curious about how this policy change affects you, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens.

What the Restrictions Against Big Tech Firms Actually Mean

The Trump administration claims that some of the biggest tech companies in the country are abusing the H-1B visa program and fraudulently taking advantage of immigration loopholes. The main concern is the alleged hiring of foreign tech workers over equally qualified and experienced domestic workers in the United States.

Tech companies have to prove that it is impossible to hire a domestic worker before applying for a green card on behalf of an H-1B worker. As long as there was no American worker able to fill that same position, the H-1B visa could transition from a temporary work visa to permanent residency.

The Trump administration claims that many big tech companies have been lying about the availability of domestic workers, accusing these firms of undercutting American workers and hiring foreign nationals who will settle for less pay. The administration cited statistics that seem to show that H-1B workers earn considerably less than their American counterparts.

While the H-1B visa program still exists, it has become impossible for current H-1B visa holders working at these companies to transition to permanent residency. Specifically, these companies are banned from using something called Program Electronic Review Management (PERM). This labor certification process allows tech companies to prove that domestic workers are not available to fill positions held by H-1B visa holders. Without access to this program, it becomes virtually impossible to transition H-1B workers to permanent residence.

The two biggest American companies affected by this policy change are Adobe and Microsoft. Other companies barred from PERM include Indian firms like Cognizant and Infosys.

Is the H1-B Program Dead?

While the H-1B program is still active, it has certainly seen better days. The current administration has slapped a $100,000 price tag on every new H-1B visa application, which should deter many smaller companies from participating. Now that the biggest tech companies in the country cannot get the most out of the program and hire long-term workers, the number of remaining employers who will actually benefit from hiring H-1B workers is growing thin.

Can a Palm Beach Gardens Immigration Lawyer Help With the H-1B Visa Program? 

Although numerous tech firms are (as of this writing) barred from moving their H-1B workers to permanent residency, this is still a viable immigration pathway for various workers outside of the tech industry. That said, the increased fees associated with the H-1B visa could signal that this program is coming to an end. Discuss your next steps with an immigration lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens. Choose The Devore Law Firm.

Sources:

 aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/9/indentured-servants-us-green-card-move-will-hit-thousands-of-it-workers

ctvnews.ca/world/article/us-suspending-permanent-residency-program-for-microsoft-vance-says/