The United States has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys from a key foreign worker hiring program, citing concerns over wage practices. The suspension affects the Permanent Labor Certification program, which allows companies to hire foreign workers when domestic talent is unavailable for specific roles.
The agencies allege that some of these companies misused the program to hire international professionals at lower salaries than they offered to US employees. This practice undermines the program's intent to fill genuine labor gaps rather than reduce payroll costs.
Microsoft has pushed back against the allegations, asserting that it pays foreign workers compensation equal to what it offers to American employees. The company's position highlights the dispute around how wage equity is measured and verified in cross-border hiring decisions.