India Slams JD Vance Over ‘Indentured Servants’ Remark on H-1B Workers

India has criticised US Vice President JD Vance for describing H-1B visa workers as “indentured servants”, calling his remarks unwarranted and deeply offensive. The response follows the US administration’s suspension of eight technology companies from a programme linked to employment-based green cards.

Advertisement

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to the country’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

It also highlighted the contribution of generations of immigrants to US economic growth and prosperity.

The MEA said the terminology used by Vance carried painful historical and colonial connotations. It added that talent mobility benefits both countries through innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation.

Eight Technology Companies Face US PERM Suspension

Advertisement

The US administration has suspended eight technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, which is an important step in the employment-based green card process.

Also Read: US Suspends TCS, Infosys, Wipro and 5 Other IT Firms from Green Card Process

The companies named are Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe.

US officials have alleged that some companies used employment-based immigration programmes in ways that disadvantaged American workers.

Vance claimed that foreign workers were being hired at lower wages while American employees were being laid off. These claims remain allegations and should not be treated as established findings against every company.

Advertisement

The suspension prevents the affected companies from filing new PERM applications or having pending applications processed under the programme.

The key points are:

• PERM is separate from H-1B: The suspension does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or change the status of current visa holders and their dependants.
• Green card applications could be affected: Eligible employees of the affected companies may face delays or disruption in their employment-based permanent residency process.
• US officials have raised wage concerns: The administration alleges that some employers have used foreign hiring to reduce labour costs and disadvantage American workers.

Implications for Indian IT Professionals

The development has raised concerns among Indian technology professionals working in the US, particularly those seeking permanent residency through their employers.

For Indian IT companies, the decision could complicate immigration planning for employees seeking long-term US residency. However, the immediate impact will vary depending on individual circumstances and the status of each employee’s application.

The MEA said India would continue to follow developments. It also stated that the measures announced by the US did not advance the shared ambitions of the two countries.

The issue places renewed attention on the movement of skilled workers between India and the US, the role of international talent in technology businesses, and the immigration rules governing overseas employment.