In a move that could significantly affect foreign workers, tech giants Amazon and Google have suspended US green card applications for the remainder of 2024. This decision, influenced by recent layoffs in the tech industry, adds to the challenges faced by immigrants seeking employment opportunities in the United States.
Suspension of Green Card Applications: Both Amazon and Google have halted PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) applications until the next year. PERM is overseen by the US Department of Labor and is a crucial step in obtaining permanent labor certification, often preceding the acquisition of a green card.
Impact on Foreign Workers: The suspension of PERM applications exacerbates the competition for foreign workers, particularly those in the tech sector, seeking residency in the US for employment purposes. With the process on hold, overseas candidates may encounter greater difficulty in securing work opportunities in the country.
Company Policies and Layoffs: Amazon internally announced its decision to pause all PERM filings for 2024 earlier this year, citing operational challenges. Similarly, Google suspended its PERM applications in January 2023 amid layoffs affecting 12,000 employees, with plans to resume the process in the first quarter of 2025.
Challenges Faced by Indians: Highly skilled professionals from India, along with those from China and the Philippines, face prolonged waits for green card approval due to per-country limits and annual quotas. Over 1.2 million Indians, including dependents, are caught in the backlog, highlighting the strain on the current immigration system.
Future Outlook: Without reforms to address the backlog and constraints of the existing immigration system, the waiting period for green cards is expected to persist, further impacting skilled workers from countries with high demand for US employment opportunities.
Conclusion: The suspension of US green card applications by Amazon and Google underscores the challenges faced by foreign workers navigating the complexities of the American immigration system. As the backlog persists and competition intensifies, the need for comprehensive immigration reforms becomes increasingly urgent to ensure a fair and efficient process for all stakeholders.
