The article first appeared in Business Today on Apr 16, 2025.
Thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States, especially those on H-1B visas, are now grappling with a twin crisis: a wave of corporate layoffs and a tightening immigration environment. This unfortunate convergence is leaving many on the brink of deportation or forced relocation, despite years of hard work and long-standing contributions to their employers and the U.S. economy.
The layoffs sweeping across tech, consumer goods, and manufacturing industries are hitting foreign workers the hardest. With limited time to find new employment or secure a visa transfer, many are left scrambling for solutions—or packing their bags. For H-1B holders, the 60-day grace period following a job loss often isn’t enough to land a new role and complete the cumbersome visa paperwork.
On platforms like Reddit and X, affected professionals are sharing heartbreaking stories. One tech worker recounted being denied entry into the U.S. despite having a new job offer, simply because their visa transfer was still pending. “They cancelled my B1 and H1B visas. I was devastated,” the individual wrote.
Another Indian worker who had just secured a coveted H-1B slot after years of waiting expressed disbelief when their employer suddenly withdrew sponsorship. “I made a serious impact here… and all of a sudden, no sponsorship—AFTER I GOT SELECTED?!”
For those still on STEM OPT, the clock is ticking even faster. One such worker shared their experience after 10 years of studying and working in the U.S.: “I have only 10 months left… If they don’t sponsor me and also fire me, no one will hire me in time. I’d be forced to go back to a home country on the brink of civil war.”
These stories underscore the emotional and logistical strain on immigrant professionals navigating an unforgiving system. Many have built lives, families, and careers in the U.S., only to face uncertainty overnight. The current climate reveals not just the fragility of immigration-dependent employment but also the urgent need for more compassionate, streamlined policies that protect skilled workers from such devastating upheavals…
Read more at Business Today
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