India has expressed concern over the US Department of Labor’s decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies, stating that the move does not advance the shared ambitions of the two countries.
In a statement, India clarified that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency or Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies.
The statement noted that talent mobility adds value to both economies. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US.
“This is therefore an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries and our expectation is that all stakeholders in this process can appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries,” the statement said.
India also referred to comments made by the US Vice President, stating that such descriptions were unwarranted and ignored the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem.
The statement said the history of the United States itself had been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation had contributed to its growth and prosperity.
“Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” the statement said.
India said it continues to follow developments around the issue.
