MEA: US Green Card Restrictions Do Not Advance Shared Ambitions
India's MEA reacts to US suspension of tech majors from the PERM program, stating the move does not advance shared ambitions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued a strong response to the United States government's recent decision to bar several major technology firms from its Green Card program. In a statement addressing the implications for Indian professionals, the Ministry emphasized that the move fails to align with the mutual goals of both nations.
Impact on H-1B Visa Holders
The Ministry clarified the distinction between different visa categories following the U.S. Department of Labour’s decision regarding the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme. While the suspension specifically targets certain companies, the MEA noted that it does not directly jeopardize the current status of many workers.
- H-1B Status: The suspension of PERM applications does not affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the legal status of current H-1B visa holders and their dependents.
- Green Card Process: There could be a significant impact on the permanent residency and Green Card application processes for eligible employees within the affected companies.
The Value of Talent Mobility
The MEA highlighted that the movement of skilled professionals across borders is a cornerstone of economic growth for both India and the United States. By restricting this flow, the U.S. may be undermining the very innovation it seeks to foster.
"Talent mobility adds value to both economies," the Ministry stated. It further noted that while these opportunities benefit Indians, they also provide U.S. companies with cutting-edge talent, driving innovation, research, productivity, and competitiveness, which ultimately creates wealth and jobs within the American economy.
MEA Rejects 'Offensive' Remarks by US Vice President
The diplomatic tension was further heightened by recent comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance. During a news conference regarding visa frauds, Vance referred to H-1B workers as "indentured servants," a description the MEA found deeply problematic.
The Ministry criticized the terminology, stating that such labels carry painful colonial connotations and ignore the reality of the Indian diaspora in America. The MEA maintained that Indian professionals are highly educated, skilled contributors who are essential to the American innovation ecosystem.
Context of the US Decision
The U.S. Labour Secretary, Keith Sonderling, recently announced the suspension of several global IT outsourcing giants from the Permanent Labour Certification Program. The companies cited in the move include:
- Cognizant
- Infosys
- Tata
- Wipro
- HCL
- Capgemini
Notably, the suspension also extends to U.S. tech giants such as Microsoft and Adobe. The U.S. Labour Department attributed these actions to multiple active federal investigations. According to Secretary Sonderling, these companies have collectively requested millions of foreign workers since 2009, a trend the U.S. government claims has impacted American workers' wages and job security.