Key facts
- Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that restricting green cards for skilled foreign workers could cripple the U.S. tech sector.
- Smith denied accusations that Microsoft had abused the H-1B visa program.
- He stated that companies founded by immigrants represent over 25% of the S&P 500's market value.
Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that the Trump administration's proposed policies to restrict skilled immigration could harm the U.S. technology sector for decades. Smith made these remarks on Thursday, according to Politico. He also denied accusations that Microsoft had abused the H-1B visa program, calling them "completely off base." Smith noted that five of six technology and science medal recipients honored by the White House were immigrants whose companies collectively represent over 25% of the S&P 500's market value.