Steps do not advance shared ambitions of both countries: India reacts to green card restrictions
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs addressed the suspension of green card programs for certain IT firms, noting it does not invalidate existing H-1B visas. The ministry criticized the US policy as counterproductive to the shared economic ambitions of both nations.
Why it matters
The policy shift impacts the long-term residency prospects of skilled Indian professionals in the US, affecting the broader bilateral economic relationship.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (October 9, 2026) responded to the suspension of several IT firms from the green card programme. The ministry said that the suspension does not affect H-1B visa holders and their dependents by itself.
“The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies,” the ministry said.
Emphasising the importance of cross-border talent mobility, India said the movement of skilled professionals benefits both economies by supporting innovation, research, productivity and competitiveness.
The ministry’s statement said that Indians contribute to U.S. companies by providing cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness, and job creation, and by creating shareholder wealth in the U.S.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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