US Suspends 8 Tech Firms From Green Card Programme
The United States has suspended eight major technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Microsoft, from the Permanent Labor Certification programme, a crucial stage in the employment-based green card process.
Eight Tech Companies Suspended From PERM
The companies affected are Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini.
The US Department of Labor has said it will neither accept new PERM applications involving these companies nor process pending applications during the suspension.
The action was announced on October 8 as part of a wider Trump administration crackdown on alleged abuse of employment-based immigration programmes.
What PERM Suspension Means for Indian Professionals
PERM is an important step for employers sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency. Companies generally have to demonstrate that there are no sufficient qualified US workers available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect American wages and working conditions.
For Indian professionals employed by the affected firms, the suspension could significantly delay green card processing if their cases have not yet cleared the PERM stage.
However, the decision does not automatically cancel existing green cards or terminate H-1B visas held by employees of these companies.
US Government Cites Alleged Immigration Abuse
US officials have accused some large technology companies of using foreign-worker programmes while simultaneously reducing their American workforce.
Vice President JD Vance specifically criticised Microsoft over its employment practices and argued that US companies should prioritise American workers.
The allegations remain subject to federal investigation, and the suspension itself does not establish that the companies have been found guilty of immigration fraud.
The move is particularly significant for Indian IT workers, who form a large share of employment-based visa holders in the US technology sector.
