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In a move that has significant implications for foreign workers in the United States, tech giants Amazon and Google have announced the suspension of US green card applications for the remainder of 2024. This decision comes amidst a wave of layoffs within the tech industry, including recent cuts by Microsoft, raising concerns about job opportunities for overseas candidates.
The Permanent Labor Certification process, known as PERM, is overseen by the US Department of Labor. Its primary goal is to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers does not negatively impact job prospects, wages, or working conditions for American workers. Obtaining PERM certification is often the first step toward securing a green card, granting permanent residency in the US.
Earlier this year, Amazon internally announced its decision to halt all PERM filings for the entirety of 2024. According to reports from Business Insider, the e-commerce giant informed employees through a memo that continuing with PERM filings was not feasible for the company. This move is expected to affect numerous overseas candidates who were relying on Amazon’s sponsorship for their green card applications.
In January 2023, Google suspended its PERM applications and subsequently laid off 12,000 employees. The company recently notified employees that it would not resume the PERM process until the first quarter of 2025, further prolonging the uncertainty for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the US.
The decision to suspend green card applications is a response to the complexities arising from recent tech layoffs. Ava Benach, a founding partner of Benach Collopy, a prominent immigration law firm in Washington DC, noted that tech companies are following Google’s lead due to its influential stance in the industry. With an increased pool of US workers available for job positions, the labor market test for green card applications becomes more challenging to pass, leading to delays and uncertainties for foreign workers.
The suspension of green card applications by Amazon and Google adds to the challenges faced by foreign workers in the US tech industry. The process, already intricate, becomes even more uncertain amidst layoffs and a shifting job market. Experts suggest that the suspension may persist until market conditions stabilize, leaving many foreign workers in limbo regarding their residency status.
The decision by Amazon and Google to halt US green card applications reflects the broader challenges facing foreign workers in the tech industry. As layoffs continue and market conditions evolve, the future for overseas candidates seeking permanent residency in the US remains uncertain, highlighting the complexities of immigration policies in the tech sector.
Sources By Agencies
