Microsoft let go of more than forty employees in Redmond this week. Since May, the company has shed over sixteen thousand jobs globally, including more than three thousand in Washington State alone. The loss for many workers is not just their jobs, but also the uncertainty that comes with it-paperwork, severance, and an unknown future. For foreign-born employees on H‑1B or OPT visas, it activates a ticking clock.
The Visa holders are given a strict 60-day grace period. During this time, they must either find a new job, secure sponsorship, and file for a visa transfer — all within less than two months. In a job market that is frequently undergoing restructuring, meeting this timeline is often impossible.60‑day grace period granted to visa holders is unforgiving. They must find a new role, secure sponsorship, and file for a visa transfer. All in less than two months. In a restructuring-prone market, that timeline is often impossible to meet.
Seattle’s tech economy is significantly fueled by international talent, a fact that is underscored by the over twenty-four thousand international students enrolled in Washington universities in 2024. The University of Washington alone hosted more than ten thousand of these students, many of whom were in STEM programs. These programs play a crucial role in feeding Seattle’s tech economy, as these professionals often start their careers through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and then transition to H‑1B visas.
When layoffs hit, their path back evaporates. Microsoft reported $27.2 billion in net income last quarter, yet still cut thousands of jobs. Amazon, Google, Meta, and numerous local startups have also reduced headcount. In this climate, visa holders find themselves displaced twice: once by job loss and again by law.
There are no unemployment benefits for them. No safety nets. Once the status expires, the departure is mandatory. This impacts households. Spouses lose authorization. Children may be forced to relocate. Homes go up for sale. Lives disintegrate in weeks.
Meanwhile, Canada is actively recruiting tech workers with U.S. visas. Under its 2023 tech talent strategy, the country opened a pathway for up to ten thousand U.S. H‑1B holders to gain three‑year, open work permits, independent of employer sponsorship. Spouses and dependents are eligible, too. The program reached its cap within forty‑eight hours. Canada’s initiatives offer not only jobs but also a sense of stability and long‑term status options, providing a secure and optimistic future that remains out of reach for many here.
Seattle’s innovation economy was built on the contributions of global talent. When a layoff turns into a forced exit, the city loses futures, not just employees.
This is not just about policy. It is about fairness. A layoff should not equal exile. It is time for a city that thrives on global talent to start fighting for them.
