Sridhar Vembu Urges Indian Techies in US to Return Home After Green Card Freeze

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has renewed his appeal to Indian technology professionals working in the United States to return to India and contribute to the country's growth. His remarks come after the US government suspended several major Indian IT companies from the Permanent Labour Certification programme, or PERM, which plays an important role in the employer-sponsored Green Card process.

The suspension has raised concerns among foreign workers hoping to secure permanent residency in the US. Reacting to the development, Vembu took to X to highlight the contributions Indians have made to America's technology sector and questioned the changing attitude towards foreign professionals.

“Indians have made a major contribution to America's technological prowess,” he wrote. “Yet, a big part of America no longer wants us."

Vembu also acknowledged the uncertainty facing Indians who have spent years building their careers and personal lives in the US. He pointed out that the latest development could leave visa holders facing difficult decisions about their future.

“Indians who are on a visa in the US face the painful prospect of uprooting the life you have built with hard work,” the Zoho founder added.

Encouraging professionals to consider returning to India, Vembu described the situation as a possible turning point for the country's technology ambitions. “Let this be the birth pains of a bold new future,” he said, “Come back, let's build India.”

What is the US Green Card freeze?

The US Department of Labour has suspended several technology companies, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe, from the PERM programme.

Under the programme, employers must demonstrate that qualified, willing and available American workers cannot be found for a particular position. They must also establish that employing a foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers.

The Labour Department has alleged that the affected companies abused the system for foreign workers seeking permanent residency. US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said, "We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labour certifications involving these companies."

The suspension prevents the companies from submitting new PERM applications and places pending applications on hold while the restrictions remain in force. However, it does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or prevent the companies from employing H-1B workers.

This is not the first time Vembu has called on Indians in the US to return home. In May, following changes to the Green Card application process, he made a similar appeal.

“Once again, my appeal to Indians in America on a visa. Please come home.” he said at the time. “Even if you feel it is hardship and sacrifice, self-respect should dictate your course. Let's make Bharat proud.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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