The U.S. tech industry is facing a period of significant upheaval, with over 53,000 jobs lost in just the first five months of 2025. Major firms like Microsoft, Meta, CrowdStrike, and Block have all implemented substantial layoffs, citing reasons ranging from AI-driven restructuring to cost-cutting and reductions in federal contracts.
Against this backdrop, a heated debate is happening on a social media community on Team Blind, on U.S. tech worker questioning the fairness of the H-1B visa program during such a turbulent time. The user wrote:
“The job market is unstable and opportunities are scarce. Yet the U.S. plans to bring in 120,000 H-1B workers in 2026. Experienced professionals are struggling to find work, and I can’t imagine what it’s like for new grads. Are we really prioritizing big tech and global competition over the livelihoods of American citizens who’ve spent years in school and taken on debt? I value diverse talent—I’ve worked with amazing people from around the world—but there has to be a better balance. Right now, it feels like a system designed to benefit corporations while the working class bears the burden.”
“The U.S. was built by immigrants”
The post sparked a wave of responses. One user pushed back, saying, “The U.S. was built by immigrants—now that you’ve made it, you’re against others having the same chance?” Another responded, “We shouldn’t be burdened with the past. Historical immigration shouldn’t dictate modern policy.”
Some comments focused on reform, “The H-1B system needs serious reform. It gives employers too much control over foreign workers. But turning away top talent from places like MIT, Caltech, or Harvard just hurts America.” Another added, “If not for immigrants, you’d still be writing SQL queries on an on-prem server.”
Several users noted the need for accountability, “If companies are falsely claiming there’s no qualified U.S. talent, file complaints. There are systems in place to challenge that.” One commenter summarised the tension well, “The system works when the job market is strong. Right now, it’s doing more harm than good.”
“We need highly talented research oriented people now. So that means we don’t need generic SWEs that will enter the US on H1b next year nor the ones that are here already, citizens included,” noted a user. A netizen stated, “All the discussion here is nonsense and useless. The only thing that matters is for everyone to take an appointment with their congressman and express self. If everyone serious enough do this, see what can happen in 6 months. Talking only here means you are not serious and just venting out.”