US May Be Looking At Tech Firms From Employment Perspective, Not Domicile: TCS

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) believes the United States is focusing on employment issues rather than the countries of origin of technology firms when it comes to employment-based immigration programs. TCS CEO K Krithivasan stated that the recent suspension of green card applications for eight tech companies, including TCS, would not significantly impact the company's operations.

Krithivasan noted that American policy decisions seemed to be driven by concerns about domestic employment. TCS submitted about 10 green card applications last year, with its H-1B visa applications under 300. Most applications involved employees already in the US, and the company did not transfer fresh employees from India under those applications.

TCS maintains a long-term strategy for the US market, which generates the majority of its revenue. The company employs over 30,000 people in the US, with local staff accounting for more than half of its workforce. TCS plans to hire an additional 15,000 employees in the US over the next five years, focusing on skills and capabilities rather than nationality.

Nasscom, a technology industry association, urged policymakers to differentiate immigration concerns from the cross-border movement of skilled professionals. The US decision to suspend eight tech companies from a green card program has added uncertainty for India's $300 billion IT sector, which relies heavily on American clients.