Trump’s green card curbs test Indian tech workers’ American dream
The US has frozen new and pending green card applications through the PERM programme for eight technology firms, including Microsoft and major Indian companies. The move adds uncertainty for Indian workers on temporary H-1B visas who have spent years in the US hoping to gain permanent residency, although analysts expect a limited effect on the companies.
Indian firms say they rely less on H-1B workers and PERM applications: Wipro says more than 80% of its US workforce is locally hired, while TCS says its applications have been in single digits over the past two years. A report cited TCS filings falling from 1,804 in 2023-24 to 513 the following year and two in 2025-26. The article also describes families caught between uncertain immigration prospects and children who have grown up in the US, amid increased online hostility towards Indian immigrants and criticism of Vice-President JD Vance’s description of H-1B workers.
- The US has frozen PERM green card applications at eight technology firms.
- Indian companies say their reliance on the route has fallen.
- Affected workers and families face uncertainty about their future.
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