Key facts
- Microsoft President Brad Smith warned against sending AI talent abroad.
- Smith stated that the Trump administration's claims about Microsoft replacing American workers with foreign hires were inaccurate.
- Microsoft hired 9,200 American workers in its last fiscal year, Smith said.
- Immigrants associated with five of six recent tech and science medal recipients honored by President Trump collectively represent over a quarter of the S&P 500's market value.
Microsoft President Brad Smith expressed concern that the Trump administration's immigration policies could drive top AI talent away from the United States. Speaking on Politico's "The Decoded Podcast," Smith stated that the administration's narrative about Microsoft replacing American workers with foreign hires was misleading.
Smith countered claims that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees to hire 9,000 lower-paid foreign workers, asserting that most visa and green card applications were for existing employees. He noted that Microsoft hired 9,200 American workers in its last fiscal year and that employees are compensated equally regardless of immigration status.
The comments come as skilled foreign workers face uncertainty in the US, with some considering opportunities in countries like the UK, Germany, and Canada. Smith highlighted the significant economic contributions of immigrants, citing that five of six recent technology and science medal recipients honored by President Trump lead companies that collectively represent over a quarter of the S&P 500's market value.