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

Sridhar Vanka, a former Technical Program Manager at Meta, announced he is leaving the United States and relocating to Hyderabad, India. He cited exhaustion from constantly fighting the immigration clock as a key reason for his departure.

Vanka spent 14 years in the U.S., including his tenure at Meta. He described the experience of navigating the U.S. immigration system as draining, particularly after being laid off from the company.

His decision highlights ongoing challenges faced by skilled immigrants in the U.S. tech industry, where visa restrictions and layoffs can create instability. Vanka expressed relief at returning to his home country.

The move underscores a broader trend of tech workers reconsidering long-term plans in the U.S. amid shifting immigration policies and economic uncertainties.