09 October,2026 02:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday criticised the United States government's decision to suspend several major technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, saying the move could affect the Green Card process for eligible employees and does not advance the shared ambitions of the two countries.
The US administration has suspended eight technology and outsourcing companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe, from the programme amid federal investigations into alleged misuse of employment-based immigration processes.
The ministry said the PERM programme, which forms part of the employment-based Green Card process, is distinct from the H-1B visa programme.
"We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labour's decision concerning the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies. It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies," the ministry stated.
The MEA said the movement of skilled professionals benefits both countries by supporting innovation, research, productivity and job creation.
"It should also be clear that talent mobility adds value to both economies. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US. This is therefore an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries and our expectation is that all stakeholders in this process can appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries," the ministry stated.
The ministry also criticised US Vice President JD Vance's description of H-1B workers as "indentured servants", saying the phrase carried offensive historical and colonial connotations.
"We have also seen some comments in this context by the US Vice President. We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem. Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive."
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Vance alleged that companies were using foreign workers to undercut the wages of American employees. He claimed H-1B workers earned less than US citizens in comparable roles and accused outsourcing firms of contributing to the problem.
US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers over the years and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B approvals and permanent labour certifications.
The US administration said the suspensions followed ongoing federal investigations. The action affects the PERM process and does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas, although eligible employees may face delays in pursuing permanent residency.
(With inputs from ANI)
