The US government has suspended several leading IT and tech companies, including **Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft, and Adobe**, from the federal program that facilitates employment-based green cards.
This suspension impacts the **Permanent Labor Certification (PERM)** program, a critical step for foreign workers seeking permanent US residency. The US Department of Labor cited allegations of immigration program misuse and concerns about the impact on American workers as reasons for this significant action.
Understanding the PERM Green Card Suspension
The PERM process is an essential part of an employer’s sponsorship of eligible foreign workers for permanent residency in the United States. With this suspension, the Labour Department will no longer accept new PERM applications or process any pending applications involving the named companies.
For many Indian professionals, this development introduces new uncertainties, especially for H-1B visa holders employed by these firms who are currently in the queue for employer-sponsored green cards. It could significantly complicate long-term US immigration plans for individuals already within the sponsorship pipeline.
It is important to note that this suspension does **not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or green cards**. Its immediate effect is specifically on the PERM stage of the permanent residency application process.
Major Companies Affected by the PERM Suspension
The eight companies named by US officials as being impacted by this suspension are:
- Microsoft
- Adobe
- Cognizant
- Infosys
- Tata/TCS
- Wipro
- HCL
- Capgemini
US officials indicate that these firms have collectively submitted a large volume of foreign-worker applications over time. They have been accused of contributing to practices that could disadvantage American workers, though the companies have not all publicly responded to these allegations.
This move is another clear indication of the US government’s increased scrutiny on the H-1B visa and the broader employment-based immigration system. This issue holds particular significance for Indian technology workers, who account for a substantial proportion of H-1B visa approvals.
Travelobiz Analysis: Impact on Indian IT Professionals
At Travelobiz, we view this as a serious setback for Indian IT professionals aspiring to obtain US permanent residency. While existing H-1B visas remain valid and the immediate impact is confined to the PERM process, the long-term implications for future green card applications are significant.
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