JD Vance’s Words, My Experience, and the Indian Dream I Am Building

A personal reflection on careers, dignity, freedom and belonging.

Three words in a recent statement by US Vice President JD Vance brought back a feeling I had carried quietly for years: “Foreign indentured servants.”

On 8 October 2026, Vance used this expression while accusing companies, particularly Microsoft, of replacing American workers through immigration programmes. The administration announced PERM suspensions affecting eight companies: Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini. PERM is a labour-certification step used in many employment-based Green Card applications.

I condemn this language.

Skilled professionals deserve respect. Their education, work and contribution should never be reduced to a label carrying the weight of exploitation and colonial history. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also rejected the terminology as deeply offensive, clarifying that the PERM suspension does not, by itself, invalidate existing H-1B visas.

I reject the label. I remember the feeling of dependence.

When I worked in the United States on an L-1 visa, I believed my route offered favourable prospects for a Green Card. Even then, I felt constrained. My employment, my ability to make independent professional choices, and our family’s plans were connected to immigration conditions.

That sense of being an outsider became one of the reasons I chose to leave the USA.

Protect workers. Protect their dignity too.

Every country has the right to protect its workers and investigate genuine abuse. However, allegations must be examined through evidence. Microsoft disputed the replacement narrative, saying around 80% of its H-1B filings were for extensions or status changes involving existing employees.

What are we actually chasing?

As a Career & Growth Strategist, I believe this conversation should make us examine how we define success. We often ask which country pays more or which company offers the bigger package. But we should also ask: Can I change direction? Can my spouse build a career? Does this path support my wellbeing and family?

My Indian Dream

Today, I am working to make my Indian Dream come true. For me, that means building meaningful work here: helping students find direction, supporting professionals through career transitions, writing, mentoring and creating opportunities.

An Indian Dream can take many forms: a rewarding profession, a business, research, sport, skilled work, or creative expression. To those building in India, give your ambition the same respect you would give an overseas opportunity.

Your pin code does not measure your potential.

— Dr. Amit Premit
Career & Growth Strategist | Author, Kuch Kaam Kar Lo
Premit Brothers Career Mantra