Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Vembu Urges Indian Tech Workers Home After US PERM Suspension
The US has stopped eight technology companies from using a process that can help workers get employer-sponsored Green Cards.
The government says the companies cannot submit new applications through this process, and pending applications are on hold.
The Labour Department has alleged that the companies abused the system.
The articles say this could make the future less certain for some workers hoping to get permanent residency.
The suspension does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas, according to one report.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu said Indians have helped build America's technology sector.
He urged Indian workers in the US to think about returning home.
He said they could help build India's future.
The US suspended eight technology companies from participating in the PERM programme, a step in employer-sponsored Green Card applications.
The companies named are Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe.
The Labour Department said it would accept no new PERM applications involving the companies and would put pending applications on hold.
The department alleged that the companies abused the system for foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu urged Indians working in the US on visas to consider returning to India and help build its future.
- Who
- The US Department of Labor, eight technology companies, and Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu.
- What
- The US suspended the companies from the PERM programme; Vembu urged Indian technology professionals in the US to return to India.
- When
- The suspension was announced on Thursday, October 8; the year is not specified.
- Where
- The United States and India.
- Why
- The Labour Department alleged the companies abused the PERM system; Vembu cited uncertainty for visa holders and encouraged them to contribute to India's growth.
- Programme
- Permanent Labour Certification (PERM), a step in the employer-sponsored Green Card process.
- Affected companies
- Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe.
- Application status
- No new PERM applications involving the companies will be accepted; pending applications are on hold.
- Government allegation
- The Labour Department alleged that the affected companies abused the system for foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
- US official
- Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the suspension.
- H-1B visas
- One report says the suspension does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or prevent the companies from employing H-1B workers.
- Vembu's appeal
- He urged Indian visa holders in the US to consider returning to India and help build the country.
