Washington: Fresh rounds of layoffs across major American technology companies have placed thousands of Indian professionals in a difficult position, forcing many to scramble for new jobs within a limited legal window or risk leaving the United States.
The latest job cuts by firms such as Meta, Amazon and LinkedIn have intensified uncertainty for employees working under H-1B visas, where immigration status is directly linked to employment. Under current US immigration rules, most affected workers are given a 60-day grace period to secure another sponsoring employer. Failure to do so could mean having to leave the country.
For many Indian engineers and software professionals, the consequences go beyond unemployment. Years of building careers, purchasing homes, enrolling children in schools and waiting for green card approvals are suddenly at risk. A job loss often becomes a life-altering crisis rather than just a professional setback.
Immigration experts say several workers are exploring temporary options such as switching to visitor visas to buy additional time. However, reports suggest these applications are now facing stricter scrutiny, with authorities seeking more detailed documentation before granting approvals.
The scale of layoffs has deepened concerns. Industry trackers estimate that over one lakh tech employees have lost jobs this year, with foreign workers forming a significant portion of the affected workforce. Indian professionals continue to dominate the H-1B visa system, making them especially vulnerable during large-scale restructuring.
Adding to the pressure is the rapid shift toward artificial intelligence, which is changing hiring priorities across Silicon Valley. Companies are increasingly investing in AI-led automation while reducing roles in traditional engineering and support functions.
This transformation has sparked fresh debate among Indian workers about long-term career security in the US. While some are actively searching for new sponsors, others are considering returning to India or relocating to countries with more flexible immigration systems.
For those dependent on employer-sponsored visas, the challenge is immediate and unforgiving — find work quickly or prepare to walk away from a life built over years.
