India on Friday reacted to the US decision concerning the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme and underscored the significant contributions of Indian professionals to the US economy, while criticising “offensive” remarks by US Vice President JD Vance.

India Responds To PERM Suspension

In an official statement, the MEA clarified that PERM is different from the H-1B visa programme and the suspension does not automatically affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents. However, the MEA noted that it can affect the Green Card or permanent residency process of eligible employees working for the companies concerned.

"We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies. It should be noted 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/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies," the MEA said.

MEA Stresses Role Of Indian Professionals In US Growth 

The MEA further emphasised that the movement of skilled workers benefits both countries. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it also helps US companies access highly skilled talent, promotes innovation and research, improves productivity and competitiveness, creates jobs and generates wealth for US shareholders, the MEA stated. Stressing that talent mobility serves the economic interests of both countries, the MEA said the steps announced by Washington do not advance the shared ambitions of India and the US.

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India Hits Back At JD Vance's Remarks

The MEA also responded to remarks made by US Vice President JD Vance on H-1B workers. Calling the descriptions "unwarranted," the MEA said Indian professionals in the US are highly educated and skilled and make significant contributions to the American economy and innovation ecosystem.

The statement also emphasised how generations of immigrants have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the US through their work, businesses and innovations. The MEA added that using terms associated with painful historical and colonial legacies to describe Indian professionals was "deeply offensive."

"We have also seen some comments in this context by the US Vice President. We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem. Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive," the statement further noted.

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