'Steps Don't Advance Shared Ambitions': India Reacts to US Suspension of PERM Applications for Tech Giants
The MEA stated that US steps barring tech majors from the Green Card program do not advance shared ambitions. While H-1B visas are unaffected, the PERM suspension impacts permanent residency pathways for employees. 'We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labour's decision concerning the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies', the MEA said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply on Friday, October 9, to the United States government's decision to bar several major technology companies from its Green Card program, stating that such measures do not advance bilateral ambitions between the two nations. The response follows an announcement by the US Department of Labour suspending Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) applications for multiple prominent IT and tech firms. "The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries," the MEA said.
MEA Clarifies Status of H-1B Visas
Addressing the developments, the MEA noted that while permanent residency pathways face disruption, existing temporary work visas remain unaffected for the moment. Indian IT Giants Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Suspended From US PERM Programme: What It Means For Green Card Applicants.
Statement by MEA After US Bars Tech Majors from Green Card Program
"We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labour's decision concerning the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies," the Ministry stated. "It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies," the Ministry added.
Background on the US Labour Action
The US Department of Labour recently moved to bar a group of major global tech firms and outsourcing providers - including companies like Microsoft, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services - from the PERM program amid active federal investigations. US Moves to Bar TCS From Green Card Programme; Here’s the Company’s Response.
US labour officials cited concerns over the volume of foreign workers requested through these channels. However, the move has drawn broad international and domestic criticism, with industry bodies and lawmakers warning that sudden restrictions on skilled talent mobility could harm technological innovation and complicate legal immigration pathways.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).