Politics · India Bureau
Vance warns Microsoft on foreign worker hiring amid PERM suspensions
US Vice President JD Vance has cautioned Microsoft and other technology firms suspended from the PERM labour certification programme that while the government supports their growth, it cannot come at the expense of American workers.
LSN India ·
Vance's statement represents a hardline stance on immigration policy affecting India's IT sector, which has long relied on H-1B visas to place skilled workers in American companies. The PERM programme, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers when qualified domestic labour is unavailable, has come under scrutiny from the Trump administration.
The vice president's message signals that companies suspended from the programme must reassess their hiring practices and prioritize recruiting American talent. Microsoft and other firms have faced restrictions on bringing in foreign workers under the H-1B visa scheme, which has traditionally been a key pathway for Indian software engineers and IT professionals seeking employment in the United States.
The statement underscores the administration's commitment to protecting American jobs in the technology sector, where competition for skilled positions has intensified. The restrictions on PERM certifications are expected to have significant implications for Indian IT companies and technology professionals seeking work opportunities in the US market.
Industry observers suggest that the tighter labour policies could prompt multinational firms to consider alternative hiring strategies, including increased reliance on domestic talent pools and potentially shifting some operations to lower-cost jurisdictions. The suspension of major corporations from the PERM programme marks a notable shift in US immigration enforcement priorities.