One of the world’s largest online retailers, Amazon Inc, is no longer offering visa sponsorships
(green cards) to foreign workers according to Business Insider. This change will cause many
immigrants sponsored by Amazon to lose their jobs and face deportation. Program Electronic
Review Management (PERM) documents assist businesses with hiring immigrants.
In 2023, Amazon changed their sponsorship capabilities by putting PERM applications on pause. In
2024, Amazon is permanently turning away PERM applications meaning they will no longer
identify as a sponsoring employer. What does this mean for current and future employees?
Amazon will have to let go of all their current sponsored employees. Sponsored employees will
have a grace period of 60 days to find another job otherwise they will be deported from the
United States. Employers offer sponsorships as the first step to helping immigrants obtain a
green card, or legal documents to work and live in the United States. In order for a business to
start this process they are required to show there are not enough workers already in the United
States to fill certain job positions. Many foreign workers within the technology industry are in
fear as other employers may follow suit due to an increase in layoffs.
So what can you do? It is important to start taking action now by understanding where your company currently stands on employment-based sponsorships. In addition stay informed with alternative sponsorship options
as well as news in relation to any changes in the process of applying for sponsorship. The Law
Offices of Martin B. Schwartz is offering free consultations only for the month of May.
If you need assistance finding resources visit our website at www.martinschwartzlaw.com or email us
at martin@martinshwartzlaw.com
By
Katiana Arnold