MEA says U.S. green card suspension measures do not advance shared India-U.S. ambitions

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (October 9, 2026) responded to the suspension of several IT firms from the greencard programme. The ministry said that the suspension does not affect H-1B visa holders and their dependents by itself.

“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,” the ministry said.

Emphasising the importance of cross-border talent mobility, India said the movement of skilled professionals benefits both economies by supporting innovation, research, productivity and competitiveness.

The ministry’s statement said that Indians contribute to U.S. companies by providing cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness, and job creation, and by creating shareholder wealth in the U.S.

“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 U.S. do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries, “ the release said.

The ministry described comments made by U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance “unwarranted.”

“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”, the ministry added.