The US suspension of employment-based green card processing for eight major technology companies has prompted varied reactions across India’s technology industry. While Nasscom and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have sought to reassure employees and clients, prominent technology leaders are urging Indian professionals in America to consider returning home and contributing to India’s growing technology ecosystem.

The responses reflect a broader debate over skilled immigration, career uncertainty and whether India can turn Washington’s restrictive policies into an opportunity to attract experienced talent.

What Does the US Green Card Freeze Mean?

The reported suspension targets the PERM labour certification process, a key step in obtaining employer-sponsored permanent residency in the United States. The affected companies include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Microsoft, Adobe and Cognizant, among others.

The measure reportedly freezes new applications and pending cases involving the designated employers while investigations into alleged misuse of the H-1B system continue. It does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or prevent affected employees from continuing to work in the US.

However, prolonged uncertainty could disrupt long-term residency plans, particularly for Indian professionals already facing lengthy employment-based green card backlogs.

Nasscom and TCS: Limited Immediate Impact

Nasscom has adopted a measured position, arguing that immigration policy and skilled-talent mobility are distinct issues. It says Indian IT companies have reduced their dependence on H-1B visas by expanding local recruitment and building stronger workforces in the United States. Consequently, relatively few employees transition from H-1B status to permanent residency through PERM.

TCS has similarly stated that the suspension will not materially affect its workforce strategy or client engagements. The company said its PERM applications were in single digits over the previous two years and reiterated plans to hire 15,000 people in the US over five years.

Sridhar Vembu and PanIIT: A Call to Build India

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has taken a more direct approach, urging Indians working in America to return home and help strengthen India's technology ecosystem. He argued that Indian professionals have made substantial contributions to America's technological advancement but now face uncertainty over their future.

His message, “Come back, let's build India,” has revived debate over whether immigration restrictions could encourage experienced professionals to bring their expertise, capital and entrepreneurial ambitions back home.

PanIIT Alumni India has also encouraged overseas IIT graduates to consider building their careers in India, while calling for fair and transparent US immigration policies. Meanwhile, former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai has offered a more pragmatic assessment: the immediate employment impact may be limited, but a prolonged suspension could deepen uncertainty for affected professionals.

How Will India Respond?

India's response is likely to involve both diplomatic engagement and efforts to strengthen domestic opportunities. Key priorities include:

·       Diplomatic engagement: Seeking clarity on the suspension and predictable rules for skilled professionals.

·       Talent retention: Expanding high-value technology jobs, research opportunities and incentives for entrepreneurship.

·       Industry adaptation: Encouraging local hiring in the US while diversifying delivery models and international markets.

·       Returnee opportunities: Making it easier for experienced professionals to contribute to India's AI, semiconductor and digital industries.

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

The suspension presents a challenge, but its long-term consequences will depend on how long it remains in force and how companies and governments respond. For India, attracting returning professionals will require more than appeals to patriotism: it will require competitive salaries, world-class research facilities, supportive policies and opportunities to build globally relevant businesses.

The real opportunity is to make India a destination of choice for talent, not merely a fallback when overseas opportunities narrow.

(With agency inputs)