In early 2025, more than 50,000 tech jobs disappeared worldwide as companies responded to economic pressures, AI-driven automation, and restructuring. For many professionals, especially Indian nationals on H-1B visas in the U.S., the layoffs have sparked deep uncertainty about their future and place in a rapidly changing industry.
Several major tech firms, including Microsoft, Meta, CrowdStrike, and Block, were among those implementing job cuts. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate into various business functions, concerns about long-term job security have intensified. Dario Amodei, the CEO of AI company Anthropic, recently warned that up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs could be eliminated within the next five years. He also predicted a 10–20% increase in unemployment, emphasizing that most people are still unaware of how significant the coming changes could be.
Amodei expressed frustration that both companies and governments are downplaying these risks. He believes many workers are unprepared for the disruption and argues that the discussion around AI’s impact needs to be more transparent. In his view, avoiding uncomfortable truths to preserve public confidence or geopolitical advantage—especially in comparison to countries like China—may lead to greater harm in the long run.
Within the immigrant community, these industry shifts are hitting particularly hard. Some Indian workers on H-1B visas are now feeling pressure to leave the country, both due to limited job openings and growing automation. At the same time, tensions around immigration have surfaced on social platforms. One user on TeamBlind raised a pointed question: why do Indian immigrants continue to tolerate the discrimination and long green card wait times instead of returning to India? The post invited a range of reactions—some critical, others more empathetic.
While a few responses questioned the decision to stay in the U.S. in the face of visible hostility, many shared that the decision isn’t so simple. For those who have spent years building their lives in the U.S., returning to India is not just a personal move—it impacts careers, families, and entire support networks. Some users explained that they’ve developed strong professional and social ties in the U.S., and pulling up roots, particularly when children are involved, isn’t easy.
Others brought up the emotional and logistical challenges of moving back. Reintegrating into Indian society can be difficult, especially after years away. Adjusting to different norms, navigating daily frustrations like traffic and pollution, and dealing with bureaucratic processes can be overwhelming. Career concerns were also raised. Even in India’s leading tech cities, work-life balance and career progression often fall short of what immigrants had come to expect in the U.S.
Still, there are those who return and manage to apply their experience in meaningful ways—starting companies, participating in policy initiatives, or contributing to local ecosystems. But not everyone finds the transition smooth. Without systemic change and support, it’s easy to feel disillusioned.
For many, choosing whether to stay in the U.S. or return to India is about evaluating trade-offs. Clean air, infrastructure, better job prospects, and a stable environment continue to draw people to the U.S., even when the immigration system is frustrating. Others hold onto the hope that they can achieve financial independence or long-term security before eventually going back.
In the end, it’s not about finding a perfect solution—it’s about making the decision that best fits one’s goals, values, and responsibilities. Many immigrants continue to weigh those options carefully as the landscape around them evolves.
