PERM Listings Flooded as Protest Against H1Bs

Something unusual is unfolding in the job market—and it’s not about the hunt for employment. A group of individuals in the U.S. is now openly applying for jobs they don’t actually qualify for. Why, you ask? To prevent foreign workers from obtaining green cards.

These positions are part of the PERM process, which companies utilize when they want to sponsor an H1B worker for permanent residency. The rule states that the company must first demonstrate that no local (American) talent is available for the job. Now, some people are applying in droves just to create the illusion that locals are available—even when it’s clear they’re not.

On social media, there’s actually a celebration happening around this. Some of these individuals didn’t finish college on time, never pursued internships, and have no interest in technical work. Yet, they’re dedicating hours to apply for every single job listing in their city—just to obstruct the process.

This isn’t about landing a job. It’s turned into a quiet protest against foreign tech workers. With fewer job opportunities and increasing competition, frustration is mounting—and some are directing that anger at those holding H1B visas.

This spam campaign poses significant challenges for companies. Sifting through fake applications consumes time and resources. If too many applications flood in, a company might even scrap the green card process altogether—even if there’s genuinely no local talent for the position.

Skilled workers that U.S. startups desperately need may never get their shot. And companies, already grappling with hiring challenges, find themselves without a viable solution.

Many tech workers who are doing well are now opting to leave this chaos behind. With the rise of remote work, they’re relocating to places like Mexico or Europe—where the internet is reliable and no one is trying to undermine their right to work.