Archive · 10 Oct 2026
India Criticizes US PERM Freeze and Vance’s Remarks
The United States stopped accepting or processing certain green-card-related applications linked to eight technology companies.
India said this could disrupt some employees’ path to permanent residency.
India also clarified that the change does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or change the status of visa holders and their families.
The Indian government said skilled workers can help both countries by supporting businesses, research and innovation.
It objected to Vice President JD Vance’s description of foreign workers as “indentured servants.”
US officials argued that some companies misuse worker programs and that the action is meant to protect American workers.
The two sides disagree about the effects of hiring foreign workers and the US decision.
The reports say the US announced the suspension on Thursday and India responded on Friday, October 9.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs criticized the US suspension of PERM applications involving eight technology companies, saying it does not advance shared ambitions.
The affected companies named in the reports are Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Cognizant and Capgemini.
India said PERM is separate from H-1B visas: the suspension does not by itself change existing visa validity or holders’ and dependents’ status, but may affect eligible employees’ green-card processes.
The MEA said skilled-worker mobility benefits both countries through talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation.
India called Vice President JD Vance’s description of foreign workers as “indentured servants” unwarranted and deeply offensive; US officials said the action targets alleged system misuse and protects American workers.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the US Department of Labor, Vice President JD Vance, and the affected companies and their employees.
- What
- The US suspended new and pending PERM applications involving eight technology companies; India criticized the decision and Vance’s remarks.
- When
- The US announced the suspension on Thursday; India responded on Friday, October 9.
- Where
- The decision concerns US employment-based permanent-residency applications.
- Why
- US officials cited alleged misuse of the system and protection of American workers; India said skilled-worker mobility benefits both countries.
India’s position
US administration’s position
PERM suspension
India’s position
India said the decision does not advance the countries’ shared ambitions and could affect eligible employees’ green-card processes.
US administration’s position
The administration suspended new and pending applications involving the named companies as part of action against alleged misuse of the system.
Skilled-worker mobility
India’s position
India said skilled professionals contribute to US innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, benefiting both economies.
US administration’s position
Vance alleged that companies use foreign workers to undercut American workers and argued that they should hire more Americans.
Vance’s remarks
India’s position
The MEA said Vance’s descriptions were unwarranted and that the terminology carried painful historical and colonial connotations.
US administration’s position
Vance defended the action, alleging that companies bring in foreign workers in ways that disadvantage American workers.
- Programme
- PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) is an early step in many employment-based green-card processes.
- Affected companies
- Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Cognizant and Capgemini.
- US action
- Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said the Department of Labor would accept no new applications and would not process pending applications involving the companies.
- H-1B visas
- India said the PERM suspension does not by itself affect existing H-1B visa validity or the status of holders and their dependents.
- Potential impact
- Eligible employees at the affected companies could face disruption or delay in their permanent-residency process.
- India’s position
- The MEA said talent mobility benefits both economies and called Vance’s terminology deeply offensive.
- US rationale
- The administration presented the move as a response to alleged misuse of employment-based programs and an effort to protect American workers.
Sources
India slams US Green card suspension for IT firms, blasts Vance’s ‘indentured servants’ remark
India slams US Green card suspension for IT firms
India slams Vance’s remarks as ‘deeply offensive’, says PERM move ‘hurts both countries’
