U.S. Suspends Major IT Firms from Green Card Program
Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, and HCL are among the firms suspended from the U.S. Permanent Labour Certification Programme.
The U.S. has suspended several major IT firms from a key green card program.
These companies have collectively requested nearly three million foreign workers since 2009.
The suspension aims to protect American jobs amid rising concerns over outsourcing.
On October 8, 2026, the U.S. government announced the suspension of several prominent IT companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft, and Adobe, from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme. This program enables employers to apply for green cards for H-1B visa holders, a critical pathway for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the United States.
The announcement was made by U.S. Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling, accompanied by Vice-President J.D. Vance, who leads the U.S. Anti-Fraud Task Force. Secretary Sonderling emphasized the significance of this action, stating, "I am hereby suspending from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme some of the largest IT outsourcing firms in the world." This move reflects growing scrutiny over the impact of foreign labor on the American job market.
Since 2009, the suspended companies have submitted applications for nearly three million foreign workers, resulting in over 230,000 H-1B visa approvals and more than 100,000 permanent labor certifications. Secretary Sonderling highlighted the implications of this trend, noting, "That’s hundreds of thousands of jobs that were taken from American workers," indicating a direct correlation between the influx of foreign workers and job opportunities for U.S. citizens.
This suspension has significant implications for the tech industry and the broader economy. It raises questions about the future of foreign labor in the U.S. and the potential impact on the operations of these major IT firms. The decision is likely to affect hiring practices and project timelines, as companies may need to reassess their workforce strategies in light of the new restrictions.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Department of Labour will not accept new applications or process pending ones from the affected companies. This suspension may lead to further investigations into the practices of these firms, as the government seeks to ensure that American workers are prioritized in the labor market. The situation remains dynamic, and stakeholders are closely monitoring developments as they unfold.
