Ex-Meta Engineer Leaves US After 14 Years, Cites Layoff, Immigration Fatigue

Sridhar Vanka, who worked at Meta as a Technical Program Manager until a layoff in 2023, is returning to Hyderabad after 14 years in the United States. In a social media post, he said the constant pressure of visa renewals and the uncertainty of the H-1B process wore him down.

Vanka had been in the US since 2010, holding various tech roles before joining Meta. After his layoff, he faced a 60-day grace period to find a new job or leave the country, a situation he described as exhausting after more than a decade of navigating the immigration system.

He also cited the broader immigration environment as a factor, noting that even with a stable job, the fear of losing status never fully disappears. His decision reflects a growing trend among Indian tech workers who are reconsidering long-term plans in the US.

Vanka plans to explore new opportunities in India's tech sector, where he hopes to find more stability and a better work-life balance. He expressed gratitude for his time in the US but said the emotional toll of the immigration process outweighed the benefits.

His move comes amid a wave of layoffs in the tech industry, which has disproportionately affected visa holders who have limited time to secure new employment. For Vanka, the choice to leave was about reclaiming control over his life and career.