The Tech Recruitment Ruse That Has Avoided Trumps Crackdown on Immigration

Published: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:00 am

Tech Job Ads in Print: A Hidden Corner of US Immigration

**Silicon Valley giants** have been laying off tech workers, and the rise of AI casts a shadow over the industry. Yet, a surprising source of hope emerges: **help-wanted classifieds in print newspapers**. These ads, often with salaries exceeding $150,000, seem to be a beacon for skilled tech professionals. However, a closer look reveals a different story.

These ads are often part of the **PERM (Permanent Labor Certification)** process, a crucial step for companies sponsoring foreign tech workers for green cards. Under US Department of Labor rules, employers must advertise these positions in newspapers for 30 days. The catch? These ads are often not intended to find new hires.

Investigations reveal that many advertised addresses lead to virtual offices, empty buildings, or companies unwilling to discuss the listings. The real purpose is to fulfill the legal requirements of the PERM process, which prioritizes sponsoring existing H-1B visa holders. This system, dating back to the pre-internet era, is widely criticized for its inefficiencies and potential for abuse.

The PERM process can lead to long waits for green cards, potentially trapping foreign workers in their current jobs. While the system has faced scrutiny and legal challenges, including settlements with tech giants like Facebook and Apple, it persists.

BNN's Perspective: The PERM system appears to be a relic of a bygone era, failing to serve its intended purpose. While the intent was to protect American workers, the current process seems to primarily benefit employers seeking to navigate complex immigration laws. Reform is needed to ensure fairness for both domestic and foreign tech workers.

Keywords: Tech jobs, H-1B visas, PERM, Permanent Labor Certification, immigration, Silicon Valley, layoffs, newspaper classifieds, green card, foreign workers, US tech workers, job market, employment, recruitment, Department of Labor, Sapphire Software Solutions, Softrams, immigration attorney, wage suppression, Bruce Morrison, Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Steve Bannon, Indian tech workers, H-1B cap, backlogs, indentured workers, Atlas Advertising.

Full Story