Seven former and current employees at Google, Meta, Amazon, and other Big Tech companies share how the H-1B visa program can transform lives — but also unravel them in an instant. With only 60 days to find a new employer after a layoff or risk deportation, the pressure is relentless, especially in today’s volatile job market. Their stories reveal the anxiety, uncertainty, and constant vigilance that come with living on a visa that ties their futures to a single job. From fears of making a mistake while driving to avoiding volunteer work that might jeopardize their status, the emotional toll is real. One laid-off engineer considered selling his belongings on Facebook Marketplace, while another cofounder must strictly limit his role in his own startup to stay compliant. Amid soaring salaries for top AI talent, the H-1B system remains a high-stakes gamble — a pathway to opportunity that can vanish in an instant.
The H-1B visa program offers a path to the American dream for skilled immigrants, particularly in the tech sector, but it also carries immense pressure and uncertainty. Seven current and former employees from Google, Meta, Amazon, and other major tech companies shared their experiences, revealing how the visa system can transform lives — and just as quickly unravel them. The H-1B allows foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years, but its stability hinges on employment. A single layoff triggers a 60-day countdown to either secure a new job or depart the country. In today’s volatile tech market, where layoffs have become routine, that deadline is not just stressful — it’s life-altering. Surabhi Madan, a senior software engineer at Google, described her reality: “My life feels temporary in a lot of ways.” She avoids activities like volunteering or even driving without checking with her immigration lawyer, fearing any misstep could jeopardize her status. Debpriya Seal, who spent six years at Twitter, was laid off during a slow hiring quarter. “The market was tough,” she said. “I started looking into selling my belongings on Facebook Marketplace. I had to seriously consider going back to India.” Debjit Saha, now a co-founder of a real estate startup in Buffalo, said the visa rules shape his business decisions. “Even though I’m the cofounder, I can’t do work outside the scope of my petition — not even marketing, even if it’s relevant to my role as CTO.” These stories highlight a system where success is tied not just to skill, but to constant job security. For many, the high salaries and career opportunities come with a psychological toll — the fear of being one layoff away from having to leave the country. The situation is especially acute in AI, where top talent commands premium pay and intense competition. Yet the same market forces that elevate these professionals also make their positions fragile. As Big Tech continues to restructure, the H-1B system remains a double-edged sword — a bridge to opportunity, but one that can vanish in an instant.
