Microsoft loses green card application access amid Trump administration fraud claims
The Trump administration has halted Microsoft's ability to seek green cards, citing fraud allegations. Microsoft also cannot apply for H-1B visas for employees who come to live and work in the United States, according to the description. This could hinder hiring for Xbox and other teams.
The suspension was reported on October 8, 2026, by Game Developer contributor Imran Khan. It covers Microsoft’s ability to apply for green cards and H-1B visas, which let foreign workers live and work in the United States.
The administration pointed to fraud as its reason. The article notes the move could affect hiring for Xbox and other Microsoft teams.
If Microsoft cannot sponsor green cards or H-1B visas, foreign-born candidates and current employees may face greater uncertainty. Xbox and other teams could find it harder to fill specialized roles, potentially slowing projects or shifting recruitment toward workers who do not need sponsorship. The effects may extend beyond Microsoft, as visa-dependent game industry professionals could reconsider U.S. opportunities. The fraud claims cited by the administration may also influence how other employers approach immigration sponsorship.