‘Remove H-1Bs First!’ Alleged Microsoft Chats Stir Row!

Microsoft’s decision to offer voluntary exit packages to around 60,000 employees has sparked fresh debate over its hiring of foreign workers, particularly those on H-1B visas.

The development comes weeks after the Donald Trump administration suspended Microsoft and seven other companies from the Green Card labour certification programme over allegations of immigration-related violations.

Microsoft has announced voluntary exit offers for eligible employees across the US, UK, Canada and India. However, this does not mean the company is laying off 60,000 workers. Instead, these employees have the option to leave with financial benefits similar to standard severance packages.

The company has not publicly disclosed the complete package details, but eligible employees are expected to make their decisions before the end of the year.

Alleged Internal Chats Raise H-1B Questions

A social media post claiming to expose internal Microsoft conversations has triggered controversy. The purported screenshots show employees questioning the company’s decision following an announcement by Chief People Officer Amy Coleman.

Some employees reportedly questioned why Microsoft was offering exit packages to its existing workforce instead of reducing its dependence on H-1B visa holders.

One employee, according to the alleged screenshot, questioned how Microsoft could encourage thousands of workers to leave while maintaining that it needed foreign talent because qualified American workers were unavailable.

The employee also raised concerns about the company’s use of the PERM labour certification process, asking how Microsoft could justify sponsoring foreign workers while simultaneously reducing its existing workforce.

Another employee reportedly pointed to a 31% rise in Microsoft’s net income in FY2026 and questioned why the company was reluctant to invest more in its workforce.

However, the authenticity of these alleged internal conversations has not been independently verified.

Microsoft’s H-1B and Green Card Controversy

Microsoft is already facing scrutiny from the Trump administration over its employment-based immigration practices.

The US government suspended the company’s participation in the PERM labour certification programme, which is an important step in obtaining employment-based Green Cards.

The suspension is separate from the H-1B visa programme, which allows US companies to employ qualified foreign professionals temporarily. However, many H-1B workers depend on employer sponsorship to secure permanent residency.

The Trump administration accused Microsoft of misusing immigration programmes while laying off American workers and employing foreign professionals.

Microsoft strongly rejected the allegations, maintaining that it follows strict immigration and recruitment rules.

According to the company, it submitted approximately 6,000 H-1B visa applications in the previous fiscal year, of which 80% were for extensions or changes in status for existing employees.

Microsoft clarified that the remaining applications involved people already legally present in the US who chose to join the company. These new hires accounted for just 1% of its American workforce.

The company also maintained that its H-1B employees receive the same compensation as other workers performing comparable jobs.

With Microsoft now offering voluntary exits to thousands of employees, questions over its workforce strategy and dependence on foreign talent have gained fresh attention.

The alleged internal conversations have added another dimension to the controversy, even as Microsoft continues to defend its immigration practices.