.png){kind=logo}
Major technology companies in the United States are facing criticism over their hiring practices following a wave of mass layoffs. A recent investigation has raised concerns that some firms may be bending H-1B visa recruitment rules by structuring job advertisements in ways that appear to discourage American applicants.
Under federal regulations, employers seeking to hire foreign workers under the H-1B visa program must first advertise those positions to US-born workers, typically through local newspapers.
However, it is reported that several recent ads placed by prominent tech firms directed applicants to immigration or global mobility departments, signaling that the roles were intended for foreign hires rather than domestic candidates.
For example, an advertisement in the San Francisco Chronicle by OpenAI sought a software engineer but instructed that resumes be sent to its global mobility team.
Similarly, Instacart reportedly listed multiple roles with applications routed to specialized departments, while Udemy, an online education company, posted for a senior marketing analytics role with resumes directed to immigration@udemy.com.
The wave of big tech layoffs has raised concerns about stability in the technology sector. Critics argue that these methods are unusual compared to mainstream hiring channels such as LinkedIn or official company job boards and are less likely to attract US applicants.
Also Read: Impact of AI on Tech Jobs: Replacement or Augmentation?
Jobs.now, a watchdog website that tracks H-1B roles for American workers, said that these practices amount to systemic discrimination against US applicants.
“At a time when unemployment among college graduates is climbing, it is vital to call out hiring discrimination that could keep Americans unemployed,” the group said.
The H-1B visa program allows US employers, particularly in the technology sector, to hire highly skilled foreign workers for specialized positions. Each year, Indian nationals form the largest share of H-1B recipients, many of whom transition into employment after graduating from US universities.
However, the program has long been contentious. Supporters argue that it is essential for maintaining America’s competitive edge in science, research, and technology by addressing skill shortages.
Stricter H-1B Visa Rules may impact foreign workers aspiring to build careers in US Jobs. Critics, on the other hand, claim that companies often exploit the program to fill entry-level positions at lower wages, thereby undercutting domestic workers.
With layoffs already shaking confidence in the tech labor market, these allegations have intensified scrutiny on how companies handle immigration-linked recruitment. As investigations continue, the debate over whether the H-1B program supports innovation or undermines American workers is set to remain a flashpoint in US employment policy.
