Nasscom separates immigration policy from tech talent mobility debate

The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) has responded to recent US immigration measures affecting Indian technology professionals, emphasizing that policy decisions on permanent residency should not conflate broader questions of international talent movement.

The US suspension covers the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) program, which represents a critical pathway for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the United States. The freeze has raised concerns within India's IT sector, which has historically relied on US visa programs to deploy skilled professionals on client assignments.

Nasscom's position reflects the industry's view that restrictions on immigration channels should not be conflated with the legitimate business need for cross-border talent mobility. The body has argued that temporary work arrangements and permanent immigration status involve different policy considerations, and that decisions affecting one should not automatically impact the other.

The Indian tech industry remains a significant contributor to the US economy, with major IT services companies employing hundreds of thousands of workers globally. The uncertainty surrounding green card processing has prompted industry stakeholders to seek clarity from policymakers on how visa programs will be administered going forward.

The distinction Nasscom has drawn reflects broader industry concerns that restrictive immigration policies could inadvertently affect legitimate temporary work arrangements that have underpinned decades of India-US technology collaboration.