Microsoft and Adobe suspended from PERM labor certification program

The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft from the permanent labor certification program, known as PERM, Vice President JD Vance said Thursday. Employers use the program to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence. The Hill, The Guardian and PBS NewsHour report the suspension.

As a result, Microsoft's foreign workers can no longer apply for permanent resident status through this employer-based route, The Hill reports. The Guardian says the workers are on H-1B visas, which let skilled workers stay and work in the U.S. while a green card is pending.

The Guardian reports Vance also said Adobe is barred from the program. CNBC reports that Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling cited "multiple active federal investigations" involving both companies' use of it.

Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the process, according to The Hill and The Guardian. PBS NewsHour says the administration accuses the company of fraud. The Verge, citing Reuters, says the administration is suspending some tech companies, including Microsoft, and that Vance spoke at a press conference.