IBM Delivers a Shock to IT Employees in the US

Technology giant IBM has decided to discontinue H-1B visa and green card sponsorship for a large number of employees in its consulting business. The decision comes amid increased scrutiny by the Trump administration of employer-sponsored visas and legal immigration programmes in the United States. The move is expected to affect immigrant employees in IBM’s consulting division who depend on company-sponsored work visas. It could also limit their options for obtaining permanent residency in the country.

Employees affected by the decision have reportedly been offered the option of continuing to work for IBM from outside the United States. Those who do not wish to take up this option will have to leave the company by the end of this year. An IBM spokesperson told a media organisation that the company’s participation in skilled visa programmes has been declining over the past few years. The spokesperson said IBM supports high-skilled visa programmes to address the shortage of professionals in the US. However, growing availability of qualified local talent and changing client requirements have led the company to reduce its reliance on visa and green card sponsorship, particularly in its consulting business.