1 hr ago
India Criticizes US Suspension of IT Firms from Green Card Programme
The United States has suspended some companies from a process that can help workers apply for permanent permission to live and work there.
India said this decision does not support the shared goals of India and the United States.
The affected companies include several large technology businesses.
India explained that this process is different from H-1B visas, which allow people to work in the United States temporarily.
Existing H-1B visas are not affected by the suspension.
However, some workers at the companies could see changes to their green card applications.
US Vice President JD Vance said companies should hire American workers rather than foreign workers.
India said Indian professionals contribute skills and innovation, and that workers moving between countries can benefit both economies.
The US suspended several technology companies from the permanent labour certification programme, a step India said does not advance the countries’ shared ambitions.
Companies expected to be affected include Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL.
India said the programme is separate from H-1B visas and that existing H-1B visas and their holders’ dependents are unaffected.
The ministry said eligible employees at affected companies could face some impact on their green card process.
India called Vice President JD Vance’s remarks unwarranted, arguing Indian professionals are skilled contributors and talent mobility benefits both economies.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the US administration, and technology companies and their employees.
- What
- India criticized the US suspension of several companies from the permanent labour certification programme.
- Where
- The decision concerns the United States and companies with employees seeking US employment-based green cards.
- When
- India made its statement on Friday; the article does not specify the date.
- Why
- India said the suspension could affect eligible employees’ green card processes and argued that talent mobility benefits both countries.
India’s position
US administration’s position
Hiring and talent mobility
India’s position
India said Indian professionals are highly educated and skilled contributors, and that talent mobility supports innovation, productivity, competitiveness and job creation in both economies.
US administration’s position
JD Vance said the H-1B programme should bring in top talent for jobs that cannot be filled by American workers, while companies should hire American workers rather than foreign workers.
Characterization of foreign workers
India’s position
India called Vance’s description of foreign workers as “indentured servants” deeply offensive and said it ignores their contributions.
US administration’s position
Vance used the phrase while arguing that companies should hire “great American workers”; the article does not provide further US administration comment on India’s objection.
Key facts
- Programme
- Permanent labour certification, a process employers complete before filing most employment-based green card petitions.
- Companies named
- Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL.
- H-1B distinction
- The ministry said permanent labour certification is separate from the temporary-work H-1B visa programme.
- Existing visas
- The suspension does not affect existing H-1B visas or their holders and dependents.
- Possible effect
- Eligible employees of affected companies could face some impact on their green card process.
- H-1B share
- Indians received 71% of all H-1B visas issued in financial year 2023–24.
- US officials cited
- Vice President JD Vance announced the measures with Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
Quotes
India’s external affairs ministry
India’s government ministry responsible for external affairs
“Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive.”
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Sources
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