The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended Infosys and seven other major technology firms from the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM), a key step in sponsoring employees for green cards. The government will not accept new applications or process pending ones from the affected companies. Other firms named include Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, Microsoft and Adobe.
Officials cited ongoing federal investigations into alleged misuse of employment-based immigration programs and concerns about effects on American jobs. The suspension is indefinite; it can last up to 180 days during an investigation and may be extended.
The action creates uncertainty for employees on temporary work visas, such as H-1B visas, who are seeking permanent residency through their employers.