Pawan Khera Slams PM Modi Over US Visa Restrictions
Congress leader Pawan Khera accuses PM Modi of being bullied by Donald Trump following US suspension of PERM program for Indian IT majors.
Congress leader Pawan Khera launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, accusing him of failing to take a firm stand against the United States. The criticism follows recent US government decisions that have significantly impacted Indian IT professionals, specifically regarding green card pathways and visa costs.
Khera alleged that the Prime Minister is allowing US President Donald Trump to "bully" him rather than defending Indian interests in Washington. The controversy stems from the suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for several major technology companies, a move that makes it much harder for Indian firms to sponsor employees for permanent residency in the US.
The Impact on Indian IT Professionals
The Congress leader highlighted two major hurdles currently facing the Indian tech workforce in America. First, he pointed to the "exorbitant" H-1B visa fees, which he claims are already forcing American corporations to reconsider hiring Indian talent. Second, he noted that the suspension of the PERM programme has created a massive roadblock for long-term residency.
“The exorbitant H-1B fees have already made American companies think twice about hiring Indian professionals,” Khera stated. “Now, by suspending the PERM programme for major Indian IT companies, the Trump administration has made it harder for Indian companies operating in the US to sponsor Indian professionals for permanent residency.”
Khera further claimed that Rahul Gandhi has consistently advised the Prime Minister to adopt a tougher stance during diplomatic dealings with the United States. He mockingly suggested that while Gandhi urged Modi to "stand his ground" and act with strength, the Prime Minister would rather be "bullied by his fraand, Dolaand Trump."
Nasscom Defends Indian Tech Industry
As political tensions rise, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) has stepped in to provide industry perspective. Following the US Department of Labour's decision to temporarily suspend certain IT companies—including major Indian players—from the PERM programme, Nasscom clarified that immigration and talent mobility are separate issues.
In an official statement, the industry body noted that Indian technology companies have actively worked to reduce their reliance on H-1B visas over the years. Instead, they have focused on:
- Expanding local hiring within the United States.
- Building a robust domestic workforce on American soil.
- Partnering with a majority of Fortune 500 companies to drive innovation.
Nasscom emphasized that while the H-1B programme remains vital for addressing short-term skill gaps, the number of employees transitioning from H-1B visas to permanent residency via the PERM process has been relatively limited. The body expressed confidence that Indian firms would continue to adhere to all US regulatory requirements.
Global Tech Giants Respond
The crackdown has not only affected Indian firms but also major American corporations. Microsoft, which was also suspended from the programme, responded by emphasizing its commitment to the American workforce. The tech giant clarified that its remaining H-1B filings are primarily for individuals who are already legally present in the United States and are not "new arrivals" to the country.