Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has submitted a formal letter to the White House appealing to preserve Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) to Protect American Workers, Strengthen U.S. Innovation, and Maintain Our Global Technology Leadership
The letter written by Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah on behalf of the USA based GOPIO Chapters and Members.
“We are seeking solutions based on what we believe is in the Best Interest of USA. We respectfully urge your Administration to preserve the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program while strengthening enforcement against any abuse of the employment-based immigration system,” GOPIO officials said.
“We support your commitment to putting American workers first, protecting wages, and expanding domestic employment opportunities. However, eliminating PERM or broadly restricting legitimate applications could undermine another vital national priority: maintaining America’s leadership in science, technology, and innovation,” the officials continued in their letter.
America’s technological leadership depends on global talent.
The United States benefits from attracting outstanding scientists, engineers, researchers, and technology entrepreneurs from around the world. These professionals contribute to research, develop new technologies, establish businesses, attract investment, and create jobs. Their expertise is particularly important in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, advanced materials, and aerospace.
As America competes with China and other nations for technological leadership, unnecessarily restricting access to highly skilled professionals risk driving talent, innovation, and investment to competing countries.
PERM protects American workers while addressing genuine skill shortages.
The Department of Labor’s PERM process generally requires employers to demonstrate that qualified and available U.S. workers are not available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed American workers.
We support rigorous action against fraud, wage suppression, and unlawful displacement of American workers. However, proven violations should be addressed through effective enforcement rather than eliminating a lawful pathway for responsible employers and qualified professionals.
Immigration statistics must be viewed in context
As noted in media coverage of the proposed PERM restrictions, green-card approvals may reflect applications-initiated years earlier, while H-1B approvals can include extensions and changes of status for existing employees. These figures alone do not prove that foreign professionals have displaced American workers. Policy decisions should be based on evidence and the circumstances of individual cases.
Protecting American workers and attracting global talent are complementary goals.
“We strongly support investment in American education, STEM training, and workforce development. At the same time, international professionals collaborate with American colleagues, train students, strengthen research teams, and help build companies that employ U.S. workers. If legitimate pathways to permanent residence become unpredictable or inaccessible, talented professionals may choose Canada, Europe, or other countries, weakening America’s competitive advantage.’
We therefore urge your Administration to:
- Preserve PERM as a lawful pathway for qualified professionals when employers meet labor-protection requirements.
- Enforce safeguards rigorously against fraud, wage violations, and proven displacement of American workers.
- Maintain clear, fair, and predictable procedures for legitimate employers and workers, including those with pending cases.
“America’s strength lies in combining homegrown talent with the world’s best ideas and expertise. A strong domestic workforce, complemented by global talent, can drive innovation, investment, and job creation.”
“We respectfully urge you to preserve PERM, enforce its safeguards, and ensure that the United States remains the world’s preferred destination for scientific excellence, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
GOPIO believes that a carefully administered PERM system, supported by strong enforcement and meaningful protections for American workers, serves these objectives better than eliminating the pathway or broadly restricting legitimate employers and professionals.
“We respectfully urge you to preserve PERM, enforce its safeguards, and ensure that the United States remains the preferred destination for scientific excellence, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship,” the appeal concluded.