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Tech giants Amazon and Google have paused green card applications for immigrants in the US for 2024 due to recent layoffs in the industry, including those at Microsoft. This move adds to the challenges faced by foreign workers, especially in tech. Both companies have halted PERM applications, crucial for obtaining permanent labor certification and starting the green card process. Amazon extended its suspension through 2024, while Google’s pause began in January 2023, coinciding with layoffs.
Tech behemoths Amazon and Google have suspended green card applications for immigrants in the US for 2024, citing recent industry layoffs, including those at Microsoft.
The competition is growing fiercer, making conditions tougher for foreign workers, as reported by the Daily Guardian.
This pause in the green card application process could exacerbate challenges for international candidates seeking US jobs, particularly in tech. Amazon and Google have both put a temporary halt on PERM applications until the next year.
PERM, overseen by the US Department of Labor, aims to secure permanent labor certification, ensuring job opportunities, wages, and working conditions for American workers while admitting foreign workers. Often, PERM marks the initial step in the green card acquisition journey.
Earlier this year, Amazon internally announced the decision to suspend all PERM filings through 2024 due to operational constraints. Similarly, Google halted its PERM applications in January 2023, coinciding with a layoff of 12,000 employees. Workers were notified that the PERM process would not resume until the first quarter of 2025.
Ava Benach, founding partner of Benach Collopy, a prominent immigration law firm in Washington DC, noted that tech companies are following Google’s lead due to its substantial industry influence.
Benach explained, “With more US workers available for open positions, the labor market test fails, making the process a waste of time and money for these tech companies.”
She further elaborated, “If tech companies have recently laid off workers, they must also inform laid-off workers of new positions that may go to foreign workers. If some express interest, then green card applications are in jeopardy.”
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