The United States has frozen some employment-based green card applications linked to Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys and several other major technology companies.
The Trump administration announced the move as part of a broader crackdown on alleged abuse of skilled-worker immigration programs.
The suspension applies to the permanent labor certification process, known as PERM. This process is required for many employment-based green cards.
Under PERM, companies must prove that hiring a foreign worker will not reduce wages or job opportunities for American workers.
Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said the government will not accept new applications or process pending PERM cases involving the affected companies.
The action covers Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini.
Vice President JD Vance accused some companies of misusing the system by laying off American workers while continuing to benefit from foreign-worker visa programs.
Microsoft rejected the suggestion that its H-1B hiring undercuts US employees. The company said most of its recent H-1B filings involved existing workers changing or extending their status.
The government has not announced a fixed end date for the suspension.
Officials said the restrictions will remain until the administration is satisfied that hiring practices have changed.
The crackdown also extends beyond technology companies.
Nine major US universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown and MIT, are facing investigations over alleged misuse of exchange-visitor visas.
The latest measures could significantly affect foreign technology workers seeking permanent residency in the United States.
They may also create longer-term concerns for recruitment, innovation and the global technology workforce.
