As over 50,000 tech jobs vanish across the globe in early 2025, fueled by AI disruption, cost-cutting, and industry downsizing, many professionals, particularly Indian workers on H-1B visas, are reassessing their future in the United States. Major companies such as Microsoft, Meta, CrowdStrike, and Block have been at the center of this wave of layoffs, raising concerns about job security, automation, and the future of work.
This shift comes at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction as a potential driver of significant job loss. Dario Amodei, CEO of AI company Anthropic, recently warned that AI could soon displace up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within the next five years. Amodei expressed concerns that governments and companies are underestimating the risks posed by AI’s rapid advancement. He predicted a rise in unemployment by 10% to 20% over the next five years, with many workers unaware of the impending disruption.
“We, as the producers of this technology, have a duty and an obligation to be honest about what is coming,” Amodei said. “I don’t think this is on people’s radar. Most are unaware that this is about to happen. It sounds crazy, and people just don’t believe it.”
Amodei also criticised the U.S. government for downplaying the issue, fearing backlash from workers and the potential impact on the country’s competitiveness in the global AI race, particularly with China. He stressed the need for AI companies and governments to stop “sugarcoating” the risks of job elimination, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, law, and consulting.
Rising tensions among Indian immigrants in the U.S.
Amid the shifting tech landscape, some workers are now facing a new wave of hostility, particularly Indian techies on H-1B visas, who are being urged to leave the U.S. as companies embrace AI-driven automation. This has sparked intense conversations on social media, with one post on the platform TeamBlind asking why Indian immigrants tolerate the “hate” and “bullying” they face, particularly regarding the long wait times for green cards.
The user posed the question: “What is so bad in India that is stopping you from moving back? Is it impossible to upgrade the country with all of your learnings from the USA? This is not a hate post, just curious to understand the reasoning behind tolerance to the hate.” The post received a mixed response online. Some users criticised the attitude of those who choose to stay in the U.S. despite challenges, with one remarking, “Lmao white people built the country you pray for a GC from.” Others acknowledged the complexities of such a decision, noting, “Both countries have their own benefits and drawbacks. India has significantly improved over the last decade. People prefer the U.S. for better job opportunities, cleaner air, and less traffic.”
Another user elaborated on why many Indian immigrants endure the struggles of staying in the U.S. “For many, it’s not just about them anymore. Once you’ve spent years building a life in the U.S., you may have a stable career, a home, a family, or strong community ties. The green card backlog is painful, and yes, occasional xenophobia stings, but immigrants still believe in long-term opportunities. They don’t want to uproot everything they’ve built, especially when children are involved.”
The challenges of returning to India
For others, the decision to stay or return to India is more personal. “Reverse culture shock is real,” one user explained. “Reintegrating into India’s social, professional, and bureaucratic fabric can be emotionally taxing. Daily frustrations like traffic, pollution, and inconsistent services make adjustment difficult.”
The user also cited concerns about professional growth in India, particularly in tech hubs like Bangalore, where work-life balance and career opportunities may not mirror the experience of the U.S. Furthermore, for many families, the logistics of moving back—especially for children—are not simple. “Pulling them out of school and shifting them to a new culture and educational system is a big decision,” the user added.
Immigrants returning to India
The question of whether immigrants can use their U.S. experiences to help improve India remains a topic of debate. Some have successfully returned to India to start businesses or engage in policy work, but others argue that India’s complex scale, diversity, and systemic challenges make progress slow and frustrating. “Your skills and experiences may help, but without systemic support and patience for long-term change, it can be incredibly frustrating,” one user remarked.
Despite the challenges, many immigrants are choosing to stay in the U.S., weighing the trade-offs between their current situation and the potential for a better life in India. “For most of us, the journey isn’t about choosing a ‘perfect’ life,” one user said. “It’s about choosing the trade-offs we’re willing to live with. Many stay because they believe in the long-term opportunities or hope to achieve financial independence before considering a return to India.”