MEA objects to US suspension of green card applications for major tech firms

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reacted sharply to the United States Department of Labor's decision to suspend eight major technology companies from the Permanent Labor Certification programme, stating that the measures do not advance bilateral economic ambitions. The directive issued on October 8 halts both new and pending PERM applications involving corporations such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini.

For Indian IT professionals and skilled workers in the United States, the development introduces renewed anxiety regarding permanent residency pathways. While the Ministry clarified that the suspension does not automatically invalidate existing H-1B visas or legal status for holders and their dependents, it acknowledged that the freeze directly disrupts or delays the green card sponsorship process for eligible employees at the affected firms.

Addressing the broader implications of skilled-worker mobility, the ministry emphasised that talent exchange generates mutual benefits for both nations. Officials noted that Indian professionals drive productivity, research, competitiveness, and job creation within the American economy while establishing valuable professional bridges between the two democracies.

New Delhi also took strong exception to recent commentary from United States Vice President JD Vance regarding foreign technology workers. Characterising specific terminology used in the debate as carrying painful historical and colonial connotations, the ministry termed the remarks deeply offensive and unwarranted given the sustained contributions of immigrant communities to American prosperity.

The Department of Labor action stems from an ongoing administration review aimed at probing alleged program abuses and prioritizing domestic employment. Market analysts observe that while major Indian IT firms accounted for a minor fraction of overall PERM filings between late 2024 and 2025, sentiment across the technology sector remains cautious.

Industry representatives and affected multinational corporations are currently reviewing the administrative order to determine legal recourse and compliance requirements. Legal experts advise individual visa holders to verify the precise procedural status of their pending labor certifications with corporate immigration desks as diplomatic channels engage on the matter.