Key facts
- Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini suspended from PERM green card program.
- US Vice President JD Vance cited a need for companies to "hire great American workers."
- Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling stated no new or pending applications from these firms will be processed.
- Nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, face investigation for allegedly undercutting American wages with international students.
- Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito is investigating potential foreign influence and visa abuse in federally funded research.
The U.S. government has suspended several major IT companies, including Microsoft and Adobe, from the PERM program, which is a crucial step for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the United States. U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the move is aimed at combating alleged fraud and encouraging companies to prioritize hiring American workers.
Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling elaborated that large IT firms such as Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini are included in the suspension. "We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies," Sonderling said.
In addition to the corporate suspensions, Vance also revealed that nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, are under investigation. These institutions are being scrutinized for allegedly exploiting the visa system by bringing in international students to drive down wages for American workers. Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito confirmed that subpoenas have been issued as part of this investigation, aiming to determine if foreign influence, improper financial ties, or visa abuse are compromising federally funded research.