India has expressed strong disapproval of the United States’ decision to halt certain Green Card application processes, impacting eight major technology companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro. The move has been criticized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs as detrimental to the collaborative economic goals shared by the two countries. The suspension targets the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, which is crucial for enabling foreign workers to obtain employment-based permanent residency in the U.S.
The Indian government has emphasized that the flow of skilled professionals between India and the U.S. is mutually beneficial, driving innovation, research, and job creation. It asserts that Indian professionals play a significant role in bolstering the U.S. economy, particularly in the technology sector. While the suspension affects PERM applications, it does not directly impact the validity of existing H-1B visas or the immigration status of current H-1B holders and their families. However, employees from the affected firms might experience delays in their Green Card procedures.
Further, India has taken issue with comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who described foreign workers as “indentured servants,” labeling the remarks as “unwarranted and deeply offensive.” The Ministry argued that such terminology undermines the qualifications and contributions of Indian professionals and carries historical and colonial connotations that are inappropriate and misleading.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing trade and immigration tensions between India and the United States. Indian tech firms have traditionally relied on skilled-worker visa programs to send professionals to the U.S., while American tech companies benefit from accessing global talent. The new restrictions may complicate the permanent residency plans for affected workers and introduce additional uncertainty for companies dependent on highly skilled foreign employees.