Source
The United States government has taken a major step against several global technology companies, barring them from sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency.
The move hits industry heavyweights including Microsoft, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, Cognizant, HCL, Capgemini, and Adobe. Under the new restrictions, the US Department of Labor will no longer accept new applications or process pending requests from these companies under the key permanent residency certification system.
Why the US Government Stepped In
US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling announced the suspension, stating that the foreign worker system has harmed job opportunities for Americans.
Officials claim that large outsourcing firms and tech corporations have laid off US staff while bringing in foreign talent on H-1B visas at lower pay rates. According to the Department of Labor, the named companies have secured hundreds of thousands of visa approvals over the years, which the administration argues replaced qualified local workers.
How the Freeze Affects Tech Employees
The ban directly targets the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program.
The standard process: Before an employer can help an H-1B visa holder get a Green Card, it must prove through PERM that no qualified American worker is available to fill the job.
The current freeze: Because these eight companies are suspended from the program, existing employees waiting for company-backed Green Cards face indefinite delays, and new filings are completely halted.
Current visas: While current H-1B work visas remain valid, the pathway from temporary work permits to lawful permanent residence is effectively blocked at these firms for now.
What Happens Next
Federal investigators have already issued subpoenas as part of an expanding inquiry into visa misuse. The investigation is not stopping at corporate tech firms—nearly ten leading US universities are also being examined for potential visa rule violations.
For thousands of Indian and international engineers working in the US, the sudden move brings fresh uncertainty to long-term career plans and residency in the country.
