Microsoft President Brad Smith warns US green-card restrictions could cripple technology sector

In the United States, Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that the Trump administration's restrictions on green cards for skilled foreign workers could harm the country's technological competitiveness and drive talent abroad. His comments, reported by Politico on October 15, 2026, came after Vice President JD Vance announced the administration would bar Microsoft and seven other companies from seeking green cards. Smith called accusations of H-1B visa abuse "completely off base" and said the restrictions could cripple the tech sector for a generation. He also noted Microsoft hired over 9,000 US-born workers last year.