World

India Highlights Mutual Benefits of Talent Mobility Amid US PERM Suspension

By HT News Desk

MEASpokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the U.S. Department of Labor’s suspension of Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications for certain companies would not affect the validity of H‑1B visas held by Indians or the status of their dependents, but could impact the green‑card process for eligible employees of those firms. He emphasized that talent mobility benefits both India and the United States, creating opportunities for Indian professionals while giving U.S. companies access to skilled workers who contribute to innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation. Jaiswal noted that the movement of skilled professionals also helps create shareholder wealth in the U.S., describing the relationship as a “tremendous mutual benefit” for the two countries. He added that the steps announced by the U.S. do not advance the shared ambitions of both nations and that all stakeholders should appreciate this fact. Jaiswal also objected to comments made by the U.S. Vice President, calling the characterization of Indian professionals unwarranted and offensive. He highlighted the contributions of immigrants to America’s economic growth and innovation ecosystem and said that resorting to terminology with painful historical and colonial connotations was deeply offensive.