MEA slams Vance’s ‘indentured servants’ remark on H-1B workers
India defends skilled workers’ contribution to the US as PERM suspensions at select firms raise concerns over green card prospects for eligible employees
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has criticised US Vice President JD Vance for describing H-1B visa workers as “indentured servants”, saying the remark overlooks the contribution of Indian professionals to the American economy.
The ministry also said the suspension of Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) applications at certain companies could affect eligible employees seeking green cards, but would not by itself invalidate existing H-1B visas.
MEA calls Vance's remark offensive
“We have also seen some comments in this context by the US Vice President. We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem,” the MEA said in a statement.
Also Read: US PERM suspension: Why TCS expects little impact, and what it means for Indian IT workers
It said the phrase carried painful historical associations and failed to recognise the role immigrants have played in the growth of the US.
“Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” it added.
What Vance said
Vance made the remarks at a news conference on visa fraud on Thursday (October 8), alleging that foreign outsourcing companies were replacing American workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
He accused companies of using the visa system to cut labour costs and increase profits.
Also Read: US suspends Cognizant, Infosys, Tata and Wipro from Green Card programme
“So, I’m sure that everybody here understands the game that is being played. You bring in indentured servants from outside the country, you lay off American workers and, if you’re a corporation, you make a ton of money by under cutting the wages of American workers, replacing them with people who frankly shouldn’t be in the United States of America to begin with,” he added.
'PERM suspension does not invalidate H-1B visas'
On the US Department of Labor’s decision to suspend PERM applications for selected companies, the MEA said the programme was separate from the H-1B visa system.
“We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies,” the MEA said.
Also Read: Return to home country and apply: Proposed rule for US Green Card causes anxiety
“It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. 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,” it added.
MEA highlights benefits of skilled-worker mobility
The ministry said skilled-worker mobility benefits companies and workers in India and the US through research, innovation, productivity and job creation.
“It should also be clear that talent mobility adds value to both economies. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US,” the statement said.
Also Read: DHS says green card applicants will not automatically be required to leave US
“This is therefore an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries and our expectation is that all stakeholders in this process can appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries,” it added.
The MEA said it would continue to follow developments. The US suspension covers major technology outsourcing firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini.