Employers Navigating Layoffs Must Consider The Perm Process

In recent months there have been discussions regarding layoffs in the tech industry. Despite an overall low unemployment rate, a recent Nerd Wallet article cited layoffs at 794 companies in 2023 alone. This news can be troubling information for companies and foreign nationals alike. Layoffs matter not only to those directly impacted by the decision, but it can also have ripple effects on a company's overall talent management strategy if they have foreign nationals in the early stages of the green card process, called the PERM process. Layoffs require employers to weigh a variety of factors and make tough choices for their employees. For many foreign nationals, having the PERM filed and approved is an enormous hurdle that puts them one step closer to getting a green card and with it the stability and the knowledge that they may permanently reside in the US without relying on visa sponsorship. For employers, however, it may also affect their decision and ability to