Amazon and Google have suspended green card applications for immigrants in the US for 2024, citing recent tech industry layoffs, including those at Microsoft. The move exacerbates challenges for foreign workers seeking jobs in the US, particularly in tech. Both companies paused PERM applications, a vital step in the green card process, administered by the US Department of Labor. Amazon’s decision, driven by operational constraints, was followed by Google’s suspension coinciding with layoffs. Ava Benach of Benach Collopy noted that tech firms emulate Google’s strategy due to its industry influence. Layoffs trigger labor market tests, rendering the process futile. Collopy emphasized the requirement to notify laid-off workers of potential foreign hires, affecting green card applications.