Amid growing uncertainty surrounding US immigration policies under President Donald Trump, the chairman of PanIIT Alumni India has urged Indian technology professionals to consider building their careers and businesses in India. The message, captured in the phrase “Build here. Scale here. Die here,” highlights concerns over the future of Indian talent in the United States and the need to strengthen India’s domestic innovation ecosystem.
The remarks come against the backdrop of developments involving the H-1B work visa programme and the PERM labour-certification process, an important step for many foreign professionals pursuing employment-based permanent residency in the US.
Concerns over US immigration policy
The reported restrictions on PERM processing for major technology companies have raised questions about the stability of long-term immigration plans for Indian professionals employed in the American technology sector.
PERM, or Program Electronic Review Management, is administered by the US Department of Labor. It generally forms part of the process through which an employer sponsors a foreign worker for certain employment-based Green Card categories.
Any interruption to this process can complicate permanent-residency planning, particularly for workers whose ability to remain in the US over the longer term depends on their employment-based immigration status.
However, PERM and H-1B are separate immigration mechanisms. A disruption to PERM processing does not automatically cancel an individual’s H-1B visa or require them to leave the country.
A call to build India’s technology ecosystem
The PanIIT Alumni India chairman’s message presents the current uncertainty as an opportunity for India to attract and retain highly skilled professionals.
India has a large pool of engineers, researchers, technology executives and entrepreneurs, including graduates of the Indian Institutes of Technology who have built careers in the US. Encouraging more of them to establish businesses, lead research initiatives and develop advanced technologies in India could strengthen the country’s position in the global innovation economy.
The appeal also reflects a broader debate about India’s ability to provide competitive research facilities, access to capital, high-quality employment and an environment in which technology-led businesses can expand globally.
For returning professionals, the decision involves more than immigration considerations. Career opportunities, compensation, family circumstances, research infrastructure and the availability of funding all play important roles.
The reported developments could create additional uncertainty for Indian employees pursuing permanent residency through their employers. Those with pending applications, approaching visa-duration limits or considering a long-term move may need to assess their individual circumstances carefully.
Nevertheless, the reported PERM developments should not be interpreted as a blanket ban on Indian professionals working in America. The consequences depend on the specific employer, immigration category, application status and applicable regulations.
Professionals affected by a change in processing should consult qualified US immigration counsel before making major employment or relocation decisions.
India faces an opportunity and a challenge
The call to “build here” reflects an aspiration to turn immigration uncertainty into an opportunity for India. But persuading highly skilled professionals to return will require more than patriotic appeals. Competitive salaries, predictable policies, strong research institutions, access to investment and opportunities to build globally competitive companies will be critical.
For India, the challenge is to create an environment where talented professionals choose to return because they see compelling opportunities at home, rather than solely because conditions abroad have become uncertain.
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