The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has appealed to US President Donald Trump to preserve the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, warning that broad restrictions could affect skilled immigration, technological innovation and American competitiveness.
In a formal letter to the White House, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah, representing the organization’s US chapters and members, urged the administration to retain the program while strengthening safeguards against fraud and the displacement of American workers.
GOPIO said the United States could protect domestic employment opportunities while continuing to attract highly skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering and research. It highlighted the contributions of international talent to strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, aerospace and advanced materials.
The organization noted that the PERM process generally requires employers to demonstrate that qualified and available US workers are not available for a position and that employing a foreign worker would not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed American workers.
While supporting strict enforcement against fraud and wage violations, GOPIO argued that eliminating the program or broadly restricting legitimate applications could undermine employers’ ability to recruit qualified professionals.
The letter also called for caution when interpreting immigration statistics, noting that green-card approvals may relate to applications initiated years earlier, while H-1B figures can include extensions and changes of status for existing workers. GOPIO maintained that such figures alone do not establish whether foreign professionals have displaced American workers.
The organization urged the administration to preserve PERM as a lawful pathway for eligible professionals, enforce labor protections rigorously and maintain clear, predictable procedures for employers and workers, including applicants with pending cases.
GOPIO also emphasized the importance of investing in American education, STEM training and workforce development. It argued that international professionals can complement domestic talent by supporting research, training students, establishing businesses and contributing to job creation.
According to the organization, making permanent-residency pathways unpredictable could encourage highly skilled professionals to consider destinations such as Canada and Europe, potentially affecting US investment and innovation.
GOPIO concluded that a carefully administered PERM system, combined with strong enforcement and meaningful protections for American workers, would help the United States maintain its position as a destination for scientific research, technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
