Washington’s PERM suspension and India’s diplomatic push

The U.S. administration’s suspension of the PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) program has sparked a diplomatic flare‑up with New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs filed a protest after Vice President JD Wens labeled foreign staff as “foreign indented servants,” a phrase the ministry says echoes colonial oppression.

The PERM halt prevents large outsourcing firms from filing new applications and stalls pending cases, affecting thousands of skilled workers who rely on the program for U.S. permanent residency. Labor Secretary Keith Sondurling announced the step during a press conference with Wens, citing investigations led by the Department of Labor’s Inspector General.

In its protest, India highlighted that Indian engineers, software developers and researchers constitute a vital segment of the American technology sector. The foreign ministry urged Washington to adopt language that respects the dignity of migrant professionals.

The controversy underscores the broader tension between immigration policy, corporate hiring practices and the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.