Zoho's Sridhar Vembu Urges Indians To 'Come Back' After US Green Card Crackdown: 'Let's Build'

Zoho co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu has penned an appeal urging Indian professionals residing in the United States to return home. In a recent X post, Vembu highlighted the impact of recent US immigration policy changes, particularly concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, on Indian immigrants.

The policy alterations have led to uncertainty for those holding H-1B visas, which are crucial for obtaining Green Cards. With approximately 70% of H-1B holders being Indian nationals, the implications of this policy shift could be significant for the community.

Vembu's message reflected a deep concern over the changing attitudes towards immigrant professionals in America. Despite acknowledging the substantial contributions Indians have made to America's technological landscape, Vembu expressed worry over the diminishing support from a segment of the American population. The appeal was a call to action, urging those on visa statuses to consider returning to India and participating in the country's technological advancement.

The endorsement of this return aligns with Vembu's previous encouragements, exemplified by an open letter in April where he discussed the challenges Indian professionals face in the American job market and the importance of India's technological progress. This appeal underscores a broader narrative around talent mobility between India and the US, where the External Affairs Ministry has emphasized the economic benefits of such movement.

Vembu himself has a personal connection to both systems, having studied at Princeton and earlier worked in the US before returning to India. His experience provides a firsthand understanding of the dynamics between these two tech ecosystems. As Indian professionals grapple with the complexities of Green Card applications, Vembu's call resonates with the broader conversation on leveraging immigration for mutual benefit between India and the United States.