Amazon is under public and regulatory scrutiny following allegations that the company may be circumventing U.S. immigration rules through strategic refiling of PERM labor certification applications. The controversy has sparked widespread debate across social media platforms such as Reddit and Team Blind, where users have raised concerns about the implications for foreign workers and the integrity of the employment-based green card process.
At the center of the issue is Amazon’s reported decision to refile PERM applications under a subsidiary entity, Amazon Development Center U.S., Inc., which has not experienced recent layoffs. Critics argue that this move allows the company to bypass the mandatory “cooling-off” period required after layoffs before new PERM filings can be submitted. By doing so, Amazon may be preserving H-1B visa holders’ priority dates and expediting their path to permanent residency.
The PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) process is a critical step in employment-based immigration, requiring employers to demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position offered to a foreign national. Layoffs within a company typically trigger a waiting period before new applications can be filed, to ensure fair labor market practices.
Industry observers and immigration advocates have expressed concern that Amazon’s approach could set a precedent for other tech firms seeking to navigate around labor protections. The Senate Judiciary Committee and other regulatory bodies have reportedly initiated document requests and broader reviews into Amazon’s immigration practices and the use of corporate subsidiaries in PERM filings.
Amazon, in response to the allegations, has maintained that its actions are compliant with existing immigration laws and reflect its commitment to retaining global talent. The company has not issued a detailed public statement but is expected to cooperate with ongoing inquiries.
The situation highlights growing tensions between corporate immigration strategies and federal labor regulations, especially in the context of widespread tech layoffs and evolving visa policies. As investigations proceed, the outcome may influence future interpretations of PERM rules and employer responsibilities in the green card sponsorship process.
