Current:Home > MarketsWhen big tech laid off these H-1B workers, a countdown began -OceanicInvest
When big tech laid off these H-1B workers, a countdown began
View
Date:2025-04-18 04:19:03
People come from all over the world to work in U.S. tech. And during the tech boom years, the industry relied heavily on foreign workers. This is how we built Silicon Valley – with great minds coming from everywhere to work in the U.S.
But when the industry started to shrink, all of these people who moved here for work are finding that linking their jobs to their residency is really complicated. That was the case for Aashka and Nilanjan. Aashka was a product engineer at Amazon, and Nilanjan worked in digital advertising for Google. They both lost their jobs in the layoffs each company announced earlier this year.
When Aashka and Nilanjan got the news, a clock started ticking. Because they are both H-1B recipients, they only have 60 days to find new jobs before they risk being sent home. And they can't get just any job – they need new employers in their field willing to sponsor their visa.
On today's show, we followed two tech workers as they tried to find jobs before their visas expired, and what they went through as H-1B recipients trying to stay in the country.
This episode was hosted by Alyssa Jeong Perry and Amanda Aronczyk, produced by Sam Yellowhorse Kesler, engineered by James Willetts, fact-checked by Sierra Juarez, and edited by Molly Messick and Jess Jiang.
Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.
Always free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR One or anywhere you get podcasts.
Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.
Music: "County Seat," "Secret Passage," and "Machine Melody."
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Technology crushing human creativity? Apple’s ‘disturbing’ new iPad ad has struck a nerve online
- Tuberculosis in California: Outbreak declared in Long Beach, 1 dead, 9 hospitalized
- Who is the Con Queen of Hollywood? Apple TV+ retells story of legendary swindler
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- These Trendy Michael Kors Bags Are All Under $100 – Hurry Before These Unbeatable Deals Are Gone
- China and US resume cooperation on deportation as Chinese immigrants rush in from southern border
- TikTok sues US government: Lawsuit alleges forced ban or sale violates First Amendment
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Andy Cohen Addresses John Mayer Dating Rumors
Ranking
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Pregnant Jenna Dewan Poses Naked in Front of Open Window in Riskiest Photo Yet
- TikTok sues US government: Lawsuit alleges forced ban or sale violates First Amendment
- Louisiana lawmakers reject adding exceptions of rape and incest to abortion ban
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Gypsy Rose Blanchard Shares New Glimpse at Her Transformation
- FDIC workplace was toxic with harassment and bullying, report claims, citing 500 employee accounts
- Democrats seek to make GOP pay in November for threats to reproductive rights
Recommendation
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Gambling legislation remains stalled in session’s closing hours
Aerie's Swim Sale Is Up To 40% Off & It Will Have You Ready To Soak Up Some Sun (& Savings)
Hyundai's finance unit illegally seized service members' vehicles, feds allege
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
Cardi B Responds to Criticism After Referring to Met Gala Designer Sensen Lii By Race Instead of Name
Civil suit settled in shooting of Native American activist at protest of Spanish conquistador statue
You’ll Be Obsessed With Olivia Rodrigo’s Reaction to Fan Who Got A Misspelled Tattoo of Her Lyrics