India has criticised the latest US restrictions affecting employment-based Green Card applications and strongly objected to US Vice President JD Vance's remarks about foreign technology workers.
The issue emerged after the US suspended eight major technology companies from participating in the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme. The affected companies include Microsoft, Adobe, Capgemini, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCLTech and Cognizant.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said restrictions on skilled professionals do not help advance the shared economic ambitions of India and the United States. It also stressed that Indian professionals have made important contributions to the US economy, technology sector and innovation ecosystem.
India Objects to JD Vance H-1B Remarks
India also strongly criticised Vance for using the term "indentured servants" while discussing foreign workers employed by technology companies. Vance accused some companies of using foreign professionals instead of hiring American workers.
The MEA described the terminology as deeply offensive because of its historical and colonial associations. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, large numbers of Indians were sent to different parts of the world under the indentured labour system, often working under restrictive and difficult conditions.
India said skilled professionals working in the US today should instead be recognised for their contribution to American businesses and innovation.
The US administration, meanwhile, has said its immigration measures are aimed at protecting employment opportunities for American workers.
PERM Suspension Does Not Cancel Existing H-1B Visas
The MEA also clarified an important point for Indian professionals concerned about their immigration status: the PERM programme and the H-1B visa programme are different.
H-1B visas allow US employers to hire qualified foreign professionals for specialised jobs. PERM is generally part of the process companies use when sponsoring eligible foreign employees for employment-based permanent residency or Green Cards.
As a result, the PERM suspension does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or affect the current status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents.
However, employees of the affected companies who are pursuing Green Cards could face delays or uncertainty in their permanent-residency process.
India has emphasised that the movement of skilled professionals benefits both economies. The latest developments are now being closely watched by Indian IT companies and thousands of professionals working in the US who may be planning to apply for permanent residency.
