Vance Criticizes Tech Firms Over Layoffs, H-1Bs

Vice President JD Vance has criticized Microsoft and other major tech companies for laying off between 9,000 and 16,000 American workers while simultaneously increasing reliance on the H-1B visa program to hire foreign labor. Speaking at a bipartisan event, Vance called the companies' claim of a lack of qualified American talent a 'bullshit story' and questioned the ethics of their hiring practices. Microsoft reportedly filed thousands of H-1B visa applications last year, with estimates ranging from over 6,000 to nearly 10,000 and reports suggesting all were approved. Some industry voices argue that many of those laid off were H-1B holders themselves and that most visa applications were for renewals, not new positions. The debate comes as the U.S. government considers changes to the H-1B visa selection process that could affect future allocations. The controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech's labor practices amid widespread layoffs.