US Senator Marco Rubio defended the 2026 modifications to the US work visa regulations, emphasizing that the policy prioritizes American workers and is not targeted specifically at India. Speaking during his visit to India, Rubio stated the changes have a global scope, applying to foreign nationals from every country seeking to work in the United States.
Suspension of Major IT Outsourcing Firms from Permanent Labour Certification Program
On October 9, 2026, the US Government suspended several leading IT outsourcing companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Program, also known as the Green Card program. Among those suspended were Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini. US tech companies Microsoft and Adobe faced
similar suspensions. The US Labour Department cited ongoing multiple federal investigations as the reason behind these actions. These companies had collectively applied for millions of foreign workers and secured hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications.
Proposed Fees for F-1 Students in Optional Practical Training
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed new fees for F-1 non-immigrant students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). This measure aims to protect American workers and ensure integrity within the immigration system. The fee changes would affect non-immigrant students seeking practical training opportunities in the US as part of their studies.
Rubio described the overall shift in immigration
policy as a response to a broken system plagued by fraud and misuse, particularly within business-related immigration programs. He emphasized that the US government, under President Trump, is committed to putting American workers and national interests first.
“It’s not one that’s built on India. It’s not one that’s focused on India. It happens to impact Indians that want to come to the United States and work and that our businesses are trying to bring in, but it’s not geared towards India. It is global,” Rubio said. He also added, “I expect that the government of India will always put the
people of India first and that you will always put the national interest of India first…But I also hope everyone understands that the United States under President Trump is going to put our people first, our workers first, and our country first.”
India’s Position on Skilled Professional Movement
India has consistently maintained that the movement of skilled professionals benefits both countries by enhancing innovation, research, productivity, and job creation. However, India has expressed concerns that recent US immigration measures diverge from the shared objectives pursued by both nations.
