Washington: The US has removed Indian firms such as Microsoft, HCL and TCS from a permanent labour certification programme, a move that could affect the green card process for eligible employees working at these companies.
The development comes amid a controversy over comments made by US Vice President JD Vance, who had referred to H-1B visa holders as “foreign contract slaves.” India had strongly objected to the remark.
Vance has now expressed regret over his statement. He noted that his wife and her family are from South India, and said the US welcomes people who come from abroad.
At the same time, he argued that there must be a balance in employment opportunities between foreign workers and Americans. He said it is unacceptable to lay off Americans while hiring foreign workers at lower wages, adding that his earlier comment was aimed at companies engaging in such practices.
Vance said the US is focusing on maintaining a balance between the welfare of its citizens and the contributions made by foreign workers.
