Vance calls visa-holding workers in US ‘indentured labourers’:India says they run its economy; Indians get 71% of H-1B visas

US Vice President JD Vance has described foreign workers employed in the US on H-1B visas as “indentured labourers”. India has strongly objected to Vance’s remarks. The Ministry of External Affairs said immigrants have played an important role in strengthening the US economy. India also said Indian professionals make significant contributions to the US economy, technological innovation, research and job creation. This benefits both countries. Indians account for 71% of H-1B visa recipients in the US. Vance says American workers should be hired instead of foreign employees Vance accused Microsoft of misusing the visa system. He said companies should hire Americans instead of foreign workers. According to Vance, Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees over the past year, while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards during the same period. He described the arrangement as shameful and called for it to be ended. What is the difference between an H-1B visa and a green card? The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire skilled professionals from other countries. A green card, on the other hand, permits a person to live and work permanently in the US. Under the PERM process for obtaining a green card, a company must demonstrate that no qualified American worker was available for the relevant job and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages or working conditions of American employees. 8 IT companies suspended from green card programme The US government has suspended eight major IT companies from the PERM process linked to green cards. These include Indian companies Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Cognizant, along with Microsoft, Adobe and Capgemini. The US government alleges that the companies are reducing employment opportunities for Americans by hiring foreign workers. However, suspension from the PERM process does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas. Employees of these companies whose green card applications are already being processed may, however, face delays. Became active after 2023 Manipur violence Angomcha Bimol Akoijam is a JNU professor and social activist. He is from Manipur and has long been a vocal advocate for social and human rights issues in the state. He entered active politics after the 2023 Manipur violence. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he contested the Inner Manipur seat on a Congress ticket and was elected an MP after defeating the BJP candidate by more than 1 lakh votes. In Parliament, he is known for his sharp and impactful speeches on restoring peace in Manipur, rehabilitating victims and protecting the rights of the Northeast.