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The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has appealed to the White House to preserve the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, arguing that stronger enforcement of worker protections can safeguard American jobs while maintaining access to global talent.
The letter, written by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah on behalf of the organization’s U.S.-based chapters and members, urged the administration to retain the program while addressing abuses in the employment-based immigration system.
“We are seeking solutions based on what we believe is in the best interest of the USA. We respectfully urge your administration to preserve the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program while strengthening enforcement against any abuse of the employment-based immigration system,” GOPIO officials said in the appeal.
The organization expressed support for the administration’s stated commitment to prioritizing American workers, protecting wages, and expanding domestic employment opportunities. However, it cautioned that eliminating PERM or broadly restricting legitimate applications could undermine U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation.
According to the appeal, scientists, engineers, researchers, and technology entrepreneurs from around the world contribute to the U.S. economy through research, business development, investment, and job creation. GOPIO highlighted their contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, advanced materials, and aerospace.
The organization argued that unnecessary restrictions on highly skilled professionals could redirect talent, investment, and innovation to competing countries as the United States seeks to maintain its technological advantage over China and other nations.
The appeal described PERM as a process that generally requires employers to demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are unavailable for a position and that employing a foreign worker would not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed American workers.
GOPIO called for rigorous enforcement against fraud, wage suppression, and unlawful displacement of American workers. It maintained that proven violations should be addressed through enforcement rather than by eliminating a lawful immigration pathway used by employers and qualified professionals.
The letter also urged policymakers to consider immigration statistics in context. Citing media coverage of proposed PERM restrictions, the appeal noted that green card approvals may involve applications initiated years earlier, while H-1B approvals can include extensions and changes of status for existing employees.
According to GOPIO, those figures alone do not establish that foreign professionals have displaced American workers. The organization urged the administration to base policy decisions on evidence and the circumstances of individual cases.
“We strongly support investment in American education, STEM training, and workforce development,” the appeal stated.
It also argued that international professionals contribute to those goals by collaborating with American colleagues, training students, strengthening research teams, and helping build businesses that employ U.S. workers. Unpredictable or inaccessible pathways to permanent residence, the letter warned, could encourage professionals to relocate to Canada, Europe, or other destinations.
GOPIO outlined three priorities: preserving PERM for qualified professionals whose employers meet labor-protection requirements; enforcing safeguards against fraud, wage violations, and proven worker displacement; and maintaining clear, fair, and predictable procedures for employers and workers, including those with pending cases.
“America’s strength lies in combining homegrown talent with the world’s best ideas and expertise. A strong domestic workforce, complemented by global talent, can drive innovation, investment, and job creation,” the appeal stated.
The organization maintained that a carefully administered PERM system, backed by strong enforcement and meaningful protections for American workers, would better serve these goals than eliminating the program or broadly restricting legitimate applications.
“We respectfully urge you to preserve PERM, enforce its safeguards, and ensure that the United States remains the preferred destination for scientific excellence, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship,” the appeal concluded.
