Tech Layoffs Are Leaving H1B Visa Workers Scrambling for New Jobs | WSJ Tech News Briefing

Impact of Tech Layoffs on H-1B Visa Holders

Overview of the Situation

• A significant number of workers in the U.S. tech sector are foreign, particularly those on H-1B visas, and they have been affected by recent layoffs.

• Losing a job as an H-1B visa holder means facing a 60-day deadline to find new employment in a similar field.

Personal Experience: Sushant Aurora

• Sushant Aurora, a project manager from Boston, shares his emotional struggle after losing his job at a data analytics company.

• He is actively applying for jobs but faces restrictions on the types of positions he can apply for due to his visa status.

Financial and Emotional Toll

• Aurora discusses the financial burden of potentially having to sell personal belongings quickly if he cannot secure another job.

• He expresses uncertainty about returning to the U.S. in the future due to this experience.

The Role of Foreign Workers in Tech

Importance of Foreign Workers

• Foreign-born workers make up nearly one-quarter of all STEM field employees, highlighting their critical role in the tech industry.

Impact of Layoffs on Temporary Visa Holders

• There is no reliable tracking for how many temporary visa holders have been laid off; estimates suggest tens of thousands may be affected.

Challenges Faced by Laid-off H-1B Visa Holders

Restrictions and Complications

• Laid-off workers may find their work visas invalidated when traveling abroad, complicating their return to the U.S.

Real-life Consequences

• One individual laid off from Twitter while vacationing faced difficulties re-entering the U.S., leading him to consult with legal experts about his situation.

Job Hunting During Uncertain Times

Experiences During Job Search

Job Market Challenges for Temporary Workers

The Strain of Job Searching within a Tight Deadline

• Many workers are struggling to find jobs within a 60-day timeframe, which is particularly challenging due to the lengthy interview processes and lack of employer responses.

• There is a significant desire among workers for an extended grace period beyond 60 days, as this time frame feels insufficient during job searches.

Employer Responses and Obligations

• Some tech companies have attempted to extend termination dates to provide employees with more time to seek new employment; however, they have limited obligations towards temporary visa holders.

• For H1B visa holders, employers are primarily required to notify federal authorities about terminations and assist with airfare home.

Impact on Foreign Temporary Workers in Tech

• Layoffs in the tech industry disproportionately affect foreign temporary workers, creating a chilling effect on their career prospects.