Impact of US Tech Layoffs & New Visa Rules on Indian Workers

The recent tech layoffs in the US have created uncertainty for Indian workers, particularly those on H-1B visas. As companies reduce their workforce, many H-1B visa holders face the challenge of finding new employment within a limited time frame to avoid losing their visa status. The layoffs come at a time when the US is also introducing new visa regulations, including fee hikes and stricter visa conditions, further complicating the situation for these workers.

Indian professionals, who make up a significant portion of the US tech workforce, are particularly vulnerable because of the strict rules surrounding H-1B visas. If they are unable to secure another job quickly, they risk having to return to India, which disrupts their professional and personal lives. The combination of layoffs and regulatory changes has increased stress for these workers.

Additionally, the new visa regulations include fee increases for various visa categories, including H-1B and L-1, which further adds to the financial burden on workers seeking job transfers or permanent residency. The green card backlog for Indian nationals has long been a point of contention, and these new developments have made the situation more difficult for workers to secure stable positions in the US.

Despite these challenges, US immigration authorities claim that the new regulations aim to improve visa processing times and services. However, the combined impact of tech layoffs and changing visa rules has left many Indian workers in a precarious situation, prompting calls for reforms to provide more support to foreign workers during such economic downturns.