Zoho Corporation Founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu has urged Indian technology professionals working in the United States to return to India and contribute to the country’s technological and economic growth. His appeal comes amid growing uncertainty following the US government’s decision to suspend green-card sponsorship applications at eight major technology companies.

In a social media post, Vembu acknowledged the significant role played by Indians in strengthening America’s technological capabilities. However, he expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by Indian professionals who have established their careers and personal lives in the country.

“Indians have made a major contribution to America’s technological prowess. Yet, a big part of America no longer wants us,” Vembu said.

He also highlighted the challenges confronting Indian professionals who may now be forced to reconsider their long-term plans after years of hard work and investment in building their lives in the US.

“Indians who are on a visa in the US face the painful prospect of uprooting the life you have built with hard work,” he said.

Encouraging professionals to view the situation as an opportunity to contribute to India’s development, Vembu called for a renewed effort to build a stronger domestic technology ecosystem.

“Let this be the birth pains of a bold new future. Come back, let’s build Indian,” he added.

Eight Technology Companies Face PERM Suspension

Vembu’s remarks followed an announcement by US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling on Thursday regarding the suspension of eight major technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme (PERM).

The affected companies include Indian IT services giants Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro and HCLTech. US-based technology companies Microsoft and Adobe, along with Cognizant and Capgemini, are also among those facing the suspension.

According to the US Labour Department, the action was taken in connection with multiple active federal investigations.

The suspension freezes new and pending green-card sponsorship applications processed through the PERM programme at the affected companies. The programme enables eligible employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency, subject to applicable requirements.

The move has raised concerns among Indian professionals seeking permanent residency, as well as employers relying on international talent to support their operations and long-term workforce planning.

H-1B Visa Programme Also Faces Scrutiny

The development comes amid broader scrutiny of US immigration policies governing foreign skilled workers. The US Vice President has also criticised the H-1B visa programme, arguing that it was originally intended to bring highly skilled foreign professionals into the country for jobs that American workers could not fill.

“Unfortunately, the program has become rife with fraud,” he said.

However, the suspension of PERM processing at the eight companies does not, by itself, halt H-1B visa applications under the programme’s usual rules. The two processes serve different purposes: H-1B visas allow eligible foreign professionals to work temporarily in the US, while PERM is generally a key step in employer-sponsored employment-based green-card applications.

India Could Benefit From Returning Talent

Vembu’s appeal has renewed attention on India’s potential to attract experienced technology professionals working abroad. Their expertise could support domestic innovation, entrepreneurship, research and the expansion of India’s technology industry.

The uncertainty surrounding green-card sponsorship may encourage some professionals to reassess their future in the US. For India, the challenge will be to create attractive career opportunities, strengthen research and development, and provide an environment where returning professionals can contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term technological ambitions.