JD Vance Clarifies H-1B Remarks After India Row
US Vice President JD Vance has clarified his controversial description of foreign H-1B visa workers as “indentured servants,” acknowledging that his language may have been imperfect. Speaking during a public discussion on immigration, Vance referred to his Indian-American family and defended the Trump administration’s efforts to prioritise American workers while welcoming skilled immigrants.
JD Vance Clarifies H-1B Visa Remarks
Responding to criticism of his earlier comments, Vance highlighted his personal connections to India through his wife, Usha Vance, and her family.
He spoke warmly about his parents-in-law, who immigrated to the United States from South India, and expressed pride in his wife, who was born in America.
Vance acknowledged that his rhetoric may have been imperfect but maintained that the US immigration system must balance opportunities for foreign professionals with protections for domestic workers.
Trump Administration Tightens Green Card Rules
The clarification follows the Trump administration’s decision to suspend several technology companies from participating in the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, an important stage in employment-based green card applications.
Companies affected include Microsoft, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCLTech and Capgemini.
Vance has accused some large corporations of using foreign recruitment to replace American employees, arguing that immigration programmes should not undermine domestic employment opportunities.
India Criticises Vance’s Immigration Comments
India’s Ministry of External Affairs previously criticised Vance’s terminology as unwarranted and offensive, emphasising the contributions of Indian professionals to American economic growth and technological innovation.
New Delhi also expressed concern that restrictions on employment-based immigration processes could affect broader India-US cooperation.
Vance maintained that the administration supports immigrants contributing to American society while seeking stronger safeguards against alleged corporate misuse of employment visa programmes.
