Microsoft President Warns Green Card Restrictions Could Harm American Tech Industry

Tight immigration rules for skilled foreign workers threaten American technological leadership, Microsoft warns.

Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that tightening access to green cards and visas risks damaging the competitiveness of the American technology sector. He pointed out the irony of official curbs targeting tech firms on the same day the White House honoured Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella, a former H-1B visa holder. Industry leaders argue that foreign skilled talent remains essential for sustaining domestic technological innovation.

• The warningBrad Smith cautioned that limiting green cards for skilled foreign workers threatens the growth of American tech companies.
• The contrast highlightedSmith noted that scrutiny coincided with the White House awarding a medal to Satya Nadella, who originally arrived in the United States on an H-1B visa.