Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Amazon Layoffs Spark H-1B Visa Debate; Indian IT Firms See Drop in Approvals
Amazon recently laid off nearly 14,000 workers, with some people blaming the use of H-1B visas for bringing in cheaper foreign labor.
Meanwhile, Indian IT firms have seen a big drop in new H-1B approvals, with only a few making it to the top 25 employers list.
The U.S. government has also been making changes to the H-1B visa program, which might affect international students.
Amazon laid off nearly 14,000 corporate employees, sparking debate on H-1B visa usage
Amazon had the highest number of approved H-1B petitions in FY 2025, totaling 4,644
Indian IT firms saw a 70% drop in new H-1B approvals since 2015, with only 3 among the top 25 employers
USCIS rejected over 300,000 H-1B beneficiaries due to the 85,000 annual limit in FY 2025
The Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, potentially impacting international students
- Who
- Amazon, its employees, Indian IT firms, and U.S. government
- What
- Amazon layoffs and H-1B visa changes
- When
- Recently, with layoffs happening in November and H-1B changes ongoing
- Where
- Amazon offices worldwide and Indian IT firms, with U.S. government actions affecting globally
- Why
- To reshuffle the workforce (Amazon), to address visa concerns (U.S. government), and to save money (potential impact on international students)
H-1B Visa Abuse
Not the Main Issue
Impact on American Workers
H-1B Visa Abuse
Amazon is replacing expensive American labor with cheaper visa workers
Not the Main Issue
H-1B holders bring valuable skills and outnumber qualified U.S. citizens in tech roles
Amazon's Motivation
H-1B Visa Abuse
Amazon is using layoffs to favor cheaper visa workers
Not the Main Issue
Layoffs are due to financial needs, such as investing in AI
- Total Amazon layoffs
- Nearly 14,000 corporate employees
- Amazon H-1B petitions (FY 2025)
- 4,644 approved for initial employment
- Indian IT firms H-1B drop (FY 2025 vs. 2015)
- 70% decrease in new approvals
- USCIS H-1B registrations (FY 2025)
- Approximately 442,000 unique beneficiaries
