MEA says US green card suspension action does not support shared Indo-US ambitions

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. File | Photo credit: ANI

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (October 9, 2026) responded to the exclusion of several IT firms from the green card program. The department said the suspension itself does not apply to H-1B visa holders and their dependents.

“The suspension of PERM applications does not in itself affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, although it may have some impact on the permanent residence/green card process of eligible employees of the affected companies,” the department said.

India highlighted the importance of cross-border talent mobility, saying the movement of skilled professionals benefits both economies by boosting innovation, research, productivity and competitiveness.

A statement from the department said that Indians contribute to US companies by providing top talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation and creating wealth for US shareholders.

“Therefore, this is an area of ​​tremendous mutual benefit for both countries, and we expect all parties involved in this process to be able to appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries,” the report said.

Vance’s comments ‘unwarranted’: India

The department called US Vice President JD Vance’s comments “unwarranted”.

“The history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labor, enterprise, and innovation contributed to its growth and prosperity. To resort to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial connotations is deeply offensive,” the department added.

Published – October 9, 2026 1:35 PM IST