Report Claims Amazon Cut 65,000 U.S. Jobs While Filing for Over 115,000 H-1B Visas: What It Means for NRIs and Tech Talent
By NRIGlobe Business & Immigration Desk | January 30, 2026
A recent investigation by WorldNetDaily (WND) has ignited fresh debate on U.S. tech hiring practices, immigration policies, and the H-1B visa program. The report alleges that Amazon has laid off around 65,000 confirmed U.S. positions (including a major 16,000 corporate role cut announced on January 28, 2026) while aggressively pursuing foreign talent through visas. From 2021 to early 2026, Amazon’s net U.S. workforce reportedly grew by only about 71,661 jobs—mostly in H-1B-eligible professional roles—yet the company filed for 115,607 H-1B visas and secured 98,559 approvals, plus thousands of green cards and foreign student hires.
For NRIs in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, the Gulf, or the U.S., this highlights ongoing tensions in America’s tech talent landscape: companies claim skill shortages drive visa use, while critics argue it displaces qualified American (and sometimes existing foreign) workers amid layoffs.
Key Details from the WND Investigation
- Layoffs Timeline: Amazon’s confirmed cuts neared 65,000 when combining prior rounds with the latest 16,000 corporate positions eliminated globally (focused on reducing bureaucracy, layers, and boosting AI/automation efficiency, per CEO Andy Jassy’s directives).
- Workforce Growth vs. Visa Filings: Net U.S. growth was modest (~71,661 from 2021-2024, with ~66,916 in specialty occupations eligible for H-1B). Yet Amazon sought far more visas than net additions—roughly 1.7 H-1B requests per new professional job—suggesting potential “labor stockpiling” or replacement dynamics.
- Ex-Employee Accounts: The report includes anecdotes of teams becoming majority foreign after selective U.S. firings, fueling perceptions of imbalance.
- Broader Context: Amazon remains one of the top H-1B sponsors (e.g., thousands approved annually in recent fiscal years), even as it trims corporate headcount amid economic shifts and AI investments.
Perspectives on the H-1B Program
- Critics’ View (e.g., Steve Bannon and others in America First circles): The program is a “scam” enabling cheaper foreign labor, harming U.S. workers and contributing to job churn. Bannon has repeatedly called for reforms or elimination, especially amid tech layoffs.
- Defenders’ View: Tech giants like Amazon argue H-1B fills genuine skill gaps in specialized fields (software engineering, data science, AI). U.S. law requires prevailing wages, labor market tests, and no displacement of qualified Americans—though enforcement debates persist. Immigrants (many from India) bring innovation and fill roles in high-demand areas.
Implications for NRIs and Indian Tech Professionals
As home to the largest share of H-1B holders (often 70%+ Indian nationals in recent years), this story matters deeply to the diaspora:
- Opportunities: Amazon and peers continue sponsoring H-1B, green cards, and OPT extensions—vital for STEM graduates and experienced pros seeking U.S. careers.
- Risks: Layoff waves (including recent corporate cuts) can affect visa holders on H-1B (60-day grace period to find new sponsorship) or in transition.
- Policy Shifts: Ongoing U.S. debates (including past Trump-era fees/restrictions) could tighten rules, impacting lottery odds and processing.
NRIs should monitor USCIS data, consult immigration attorneys, and explore diversified job markets (Canada, Europe, or returning to India’s booming tech sector).
This report underscores the complex balance between global talent mobility and domestic job priorities in U.S. tech. Amazon has not fully responded to the specific claims in the WND piece, but the company emphasizes efficiency drives and compliance with visa laws.
What are your thoughts on H-1B usage amid layoffs? Have you or someone you know been impacted? Share in the comments below on nriglobe.com — we’ll keep covering U.S. immigration, tech jobs, and NRI career news.
