Overview
- The Department of Labor announced on Thursday, Oct. 8 that it had suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini from filing new or pending PERM applications while investigations proceed.
- DOL officials and the Office of the Inspector General say the move targets alleged misuse of the PERM process to replace American workers and is part of ongoing probes that include subpoenas and possible prosecutor involvement.
- Affected firms have publicly said they expect no material operational impact and will cooperate with authorities, noting recent company disclosures show a sharp decline in PERM filings over the last two years.
- H‑1B holders, students on Optional Practical Training and employees nearing H‑1B time limits face immediate uncertainty because PERM is the usual first step toward employer‑sponsored green cards and I‑140 protections.
- Broader policy proposals and legal fights over immigration fees, including a proposed DHS OPT fee and court challenges to past H‑1B fee rules, mean the enforcement action could ripple into university recruitment, hiring plans and offshore or automation strategies.