Indian software engineers and technology professionals have been playing important roles in major US tech companies for years. They also contributed to the technological foundation of several Silicon Valley companies.
But now many of those Indian workers are in big trouble. That’s because a new wave of layoffs is not only taking away jobs, but also creating uncertainty about the right to stay in the United States.
Recently, leading US technology companies have laid off one worker after another to cut costs. META has laid off about 8,000 workers. There, artificial intelligence or AI is in the process of changing business structures. Amazon has also made several rounds of layoffs. Several other tech companies, including LinkedIn, are on the verge of layoffs.
Indian tech professionals working on H-1B visas are under the most pressure in this situation. Because this visa is directly linked to the hiring company. Typically, workers lose their jobs and have only 60 days to find a job. If they don’t get sponsorship from the new company by this time, they may have to leave the US.
As a result, job loss is no longer just a professional problem. It involves family futures, home loans, children’s education, health insurance and long waits for green cards. Many Indian professionals have been waiting for a green card for years. Many babies are born in the United States. Some are buying houses with the hope of settling down. With the loss of his job, all those plans are uncertain.
According to US media reports, many Indian workers are currently looking for alternative routes. Some of whom are trying to go on B-2 visitor visas. This may give them a few more months to find a new job.
Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, regulations, H-1B visa holders typically receive a 60-day grace period after losing their job. Or they have the option to stay until their I-94 status expires. At this time they have to decide whether to find a new job, get another visa or return home. Note that this 60-day count begins on the last work day, not the last payday.
