US Job Cuts Surge: NRI Impact in March 2026

April 4, 2026
Sreekanth bathalapalli
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US employers announced 60,620 job cuts in March 2026, marking a 25% rise from February, according to the latest Challenger, Gray & Christmas report. While significantly lower than the massive federal cuts seen in March 2025, the technology sector continued to lead with 18,720 jobs eliminated — a worrying trend for the large number of Indian IT professionals and H-1B visa holders working in the US.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was cited as the top reason for nearly 25% (15,341 jobs) of the March layoffs, as companies redirect budgets toward AI infrastructure and automation.

Key Layoff Numbers – March & Q1 2026

Total US job cuts in March 2026: 60,620 (up 25% from February)
Q1 2026 total: 217,362 – the lowest first-quarter figure since 2022
Top sectors affected:
- Technology: 52,050 cuts (YTD)
- Transportation: 32,241 cuts
- Health Care/Products: 23,520 cuts

Major companies announcing cuts in March 2026 that impacted many NRIs and Indian-origin employees:

Oracle: Thousands of global layoffs (including significant numbers in the US and India offices), with notifications sent on March 31 as the company ramps up AI spending.
Atlassian: ~1,600 jobs (10% of workforce) to fund AI and enterprise sales.
Meta Platforms: Hundreds of roles cut across Reality Labs, recruiting, sales, and Facebook teams in late March.
Epic Games: Over 1,000 employees (≈20% of workforce) due to declining Fortnite engagement.
Other notable mentions: Ongoing reductions at Amazon, Dell, Block, and Morgan Stanley.

Many of these companies employ a high percentage of Indian talent on H-1B visas, making NRIs particularly vulnerable during restructuring.

Federal Job Cuts Under Trump Administration – Status in 2026

The aggressive federal workforce reduction drive led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in 2025 resulted in a 12% shrink of the US civilian federal workforce (roughly 300,000–386,000 separations) through buyouts, early retirements, resignations, and some reductions in force.

By early 2026, the pace of new large-scale federal cuts has slowed, but uncertainty remains for any NRIs or Indian-origin professionals employed in federal agencies, contractors, or related roles. Performance-based criteria are becoming stricter for future staffing decisions.

Special Impact on NRIs and Indian Professionals in the US

Indian nationals hold the majority of H-1B visas in the tech sector, and repeated layoff waves create unique challenges:

Grace Period & Visa Status: Laid-off H-1B holders typically have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, change status, or depart the US. Many Indian professionals are rushing to explore new job offers, transfer visas, or consider alternatives like O-1 or EB-2/EB-3 green card pathways.
Family & Financial Pressure: With dependents on H-4 visas and children in US schools, sudden job loss often forces tough decisions — including potential return to India.
Reverse Migration Trend: Several laid-off NRIs in their 30s have already moved back to India after years in the US, citing better family support networks despite challenges readjusting to life back home.
Offshoring Angle: While US roles are being cut, some companies continue expanding hiring in India (Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai), creating opportunities for those open to relocation or remote work from India.

AI-driven automation is reducing demand for routine coding, testing, and support roles — areas where many mid-level Indian professionals have traditionally excelled. Companies are prioritizing skills in AI/ML, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and data engineering.

Broader US Job Market in March 2026

Despite rising layoff announcements, the overall US labor market showed resilience with steady (though cautious) hiring in some sectors. Unemployment remained relatively stable, but hiring plans in tech have slowed.

Practical Advice for NRIs Facing Layoff Risks

Upskill Quickly: Focus on AI tools, GenAI applications, prompt engineering, and domain-specific expertise that are harder to automate.
Network Aggressively: Leverage LinkedIn, alumni groups (IIT/IIM), and NRI communities in the US.
Visa Preparedness: Consult immigration attorneys early. Explore options like STEM OPT extensions, green card sponsorship, or even opportunities in Canada, Germany, Singapore, or returning to India with competitive packages.
Financial Buffer: Maintain 6–12 months of emergency savings, especially if supporting family in the US or India.
Explore India Opportunities: Many returning NRIs are finding senior roles in Indian tech firms or startups, often with leadership responsibilities.

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