India Rebukes Vance Over H-1B Remarks as Labor Department Curbs Visa Program
India's Ministry of External Affairs criticized Vice President JD Vance's remarks about H-1B visa holders, saying his language carried painful colonial connotations. Vance had argued that companies should not replace American workers with foreign workers. The U.S. Labor Department also suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and several Indian IT companies from its Permanent Labor Certification program.
The clash followed Vance’s Thursday remarks urging companies to prioritize American workers and not dismiss them in favor of foreign employees. On the same day, the Labor Department suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and several large Indian IT firms from its Permanent Labor Certification program, blocking a route to permanent residency for their H-1B staff.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded Friday, rejecting the remarks and saying the wording evoked painful colonial history. It stressed that Indian professionals in the U.S. are well-trained and contribute to the economy and innovation.
The suspension may create uncertainty for H-1B employees at affected companies and their families, as permanent-residency sponsorship becomes unavailable through this channel. U.S. tech firms and Indian IT providers could face hiring and retention challenges, while the diplomatic exchange may add friction to bilateral ties. The broader debate over visa policy may intensify, affecting how skilled workers and employers view U.S. immigration pathways.