Job cuts, strict visa rules… Indians are getting more tensed due to this ‘double attack’ in America

US Tech Layoffs: These days, America is witnessing a lot of recession, due to which people have lost jobs in many sectors. People have lost the most jobs in the technology sector. The tech sector has been badly shaken by layoffs, which has affected people of Indian origin the most. A large number of Indians work in the tech sector in America. People of Indian origin holding H-1B visas have had to deal with layoffs as well as new visa rules. The layoffs in the tech sector along with the new visa rules have created a challenging environment for immigrant international students and skilled workers in America. According to Layoffs.fyi, an organization that monitors and records layoffs, 1.37 lakh people have lost their jobs in the tech sector in the US in 2024 alone. It was once said that the recession has no effect on the tech sector, but due to the current layoffs, there is a shortage of jobs in the market.

Short time limit for job search in H-1B visa

However, it is not just the fear of losing jobs that has haunted Indian workers, but the visa rules have also worsened their condition. Indians holding H-1B visas are being given only two months to find and secure a new job. If they fail to find a job within the given time limit, then they are at risk of having to leave the US. That is, on one hand there is the threat of losing jobs, and on the other hand there is also the pressure to find a new job quickly.

Long wait for green card

According to a report by the US Congressional Research Service, Indian skilled workers have to wait a long time to get a Green Card. Sometimes they have to wait for more than 190 years even after following all the labor laws. This has increased the difficulties even more. Through the Green Card, people are allowed to live permanently in America. Citizens of many countries including India apply for Green Card.

How do the new US visa rules impact Indians?

The biggest change in the US visa rules has been seen in the EB-5 visa. It is easy to get a green card under this category of visa. The EB-5 visa allows people to get a visa by investing in some projects. Although this visa is for citizens of all countries of the world, applicants from China and India often face delays. In the meantime, some reports said that the processing time for EB-5 visa is improving.

Not only this, but an increase in H-1B visa fees has been implemented. The fee per beneficiary has increased from $10 to $215. This is an increase of 2150%. Application fees have also been increased and paper filing has gone up from $460 to $780. The new visa changes have also affected green card applicants. The normal filing price for an I-30 petition is now $675 for paper filing and $625 for online filing.