Key Takeaways
• Walmart announced 1,500 US corporate layoffs in May 2025 amid restructuring efforts.
• Critics link layoffs to H-1B visa use, focusing on CTO Suresh Kumar, with no official evidence.
• New H-1B rules in January 2025 streamline applications and increase oversight to prevent misuse.
Walmart’s Recent Layoffs: H-1B Visa Debate and Spotlight on CTO Suresh Kumar
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, announced in May 2025 that it will cut about 1,500 corporate jobs in the United States 🇺🇸. This move, aimed at reducing costs and streamlining operations, has sparked a heated debate about the use of the H-1B visa program and drawn criticism toward Walmart’s Indian-origin Chief Technology Officer, Suresh Kumar. The layoffs, mostly affecting the company’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, and other US office locations, have become a flashpoint for wider concerns about skilled immigration, job security, and the future of the American workforce.
What Happened: The Layoffs and Immediate Reaction
Walmart’s decision to cut 1,500 jobs comes as part of a larger restructuring effort. The company says these changes will help it provide better retail experiences and make decisions faster. The layoffs hit several areas:
- Global Technology Team: Many of the affected employees work in Walmart’s tech division, which handles everything from online shopping systems to data security.
- E-commerce Fulfillment Centers: Some job cuts are in the teams that manage online orders and deliveries.
- Walmart Connect: This is Walmart’s advertising arm, which helps brands reach Walmart’s customers.
According to an internal memo, the restructuring is meant to “accelerate decision-making and reduce complexities.” The memo was co-authored by Suresh Kumar and Walmart US CEO John Furner.
The announcement comes at a time when the tech industry is already facing widespread layoffs. In 2025 alone, companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have cut over 61,000 jobs as they try to lower costs and update their systems.
The H-1B Visa Controversy: What Is It and Why the Debate?
The H-1B visa is a special work permit that lets US companies hire skilled foreign workers for jobs that require specialized knowledge, such as computer programming, engineering, or research. Each year, the United States 🇺🇸 issues a limited number of H-1B visas, and demand is usually much higher than supply.
After Walmart’s layoff announcement, social media and some news outlets quickly linked the job cuts to the H-1B visa program. Critics argue that American workers are being replaced by cheaper foreign labor, especially from India 🇮🇳, since Indian nationals make up the largest group of H-1B holders.
Some of the main accusations include:
- Favoring Foreign Labor: Claims that Walmart is hiring more foreign workers instead of Americans.
- High Numbers of H-1B Workers: Allegations that a large share of Walmart’s tech staff are on H-1B visas, mostly from India 🇮🇳.
- Layoffs to Hire More H-1Bs: Suggestions that the layoffs are being done to make room for more H-1B workers, though there is no official evidence for this.
One social media user wrote, “Oh, guess what? The large layoffs today at Walmart are from its technology team. You know, the kind of US worker who’s replaced by H1B.” Another asked, “1500. Wow, that’s a bloodbath. How many H-1Bs are they bringing in next year?”
Despite these claims, there is no official proof that Walmart is laying off American workers just to hire more H-1B visa holders. The company has not released any data showing how many of its tech workers are on H-1B visas.
Suresh Kumar: The CTO Under Fire
Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s Chief Technology Officer, has become a central figure in the debate. Some critics have blamed him directly for the layoffs, pointing to his Indian heritage and claiming, without evidence, that 40% of Walmart’s IT department is made up of H-1B visa holders from India 🇮🇳.
The memo announcing the layoffs was signed by Kumar and CEO John Furner. While some see this as evidence of Kumar’s involvement in the decision, there is no official link between his background, the H-1B visa program, and the layoffs. Many analysts argue that if there are problems with the H-1B system, it is the companies—not the workers or their backgrounds—that should be held responsible.
Recent Changes to the H-1B Visa Program
The debate over Walmart’s layoffs comes just months after the United States 🇺🇸 government made important changes to the H-1B visa program. On January 17, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put new rules in place to modernize the program. These changes include:
- Streamlining the Approval Process: Making it easier and faster for companies to apply for and receive H-1B visas.
- Increasing Flexibility: Allowing employers to keep talented workers more easily.
- Improving Oversight: Adding new checks to make sure the program is not being misused.
The new rules also update the definition of a “specialty occupation,” give more protections to certain F-1 students (international students in the US), and add more enforcement to protect the program’s integrity. For more details, readers can visit the official USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page.
Different Views: Critics, Supporters, and Walmart’s Response
Critics of the H-1B Program
Some labor groups and critics say the H-1B system is sometimes abused. They claim that companies hire foreign workers on temporary visas, pay them less, and then move jobs overseas. A report by the AFL-CIO, a major labor union, alleges that Walmart and its contractors rely heavily on H-1B visas for IT workers and pay lower wages.
Supporters of the H-1B Program
On the other hand, supporters argue that H-1B visa holders fill important skill gaps in the US economy. Many tech jobs require specialized knowledge that is hard to find in the local workforce. Some analysts also point out that many Indian H-1B workers are themselves affected by layoffs, so blaming them for job losses is unfair.
Walmart’s Position
Walmart says that while it is cutting some jobs, it is also creating new roles that fit its growth plans. The company frames the restructuring as a way to adapt to a changing business environment and stay competitive. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Walmart’s approach is similar to what other large tech companies are doing as they try to balance costs and innovation.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration, Jobs, and the US Tech Industry
The Walmart layoffs and the H-1B debate are part of a larger story about immigration, jobs, and the future of work in the United States 🇺🇸. The process for getting an H-1B visa has become longer and more difficult in recent years. Many companies say they need access to global talent to stay ahead, while some American workers worry about job security.
Indian nationals make up the largest group of H-1B visa holders. The AFL-CIO report also points out that many H-1B workers do not have a clear path to citizenship, which can make them more vulnerable to job changes and layoffs.
The debate over skilled immigration is not new, but it has become more intense as the tech industry faces rapid changes. As companies like Walmart adjust their workforce, the impact on both American and foreign workers is a key issue.
How the H-1B Visa Works: A Simple Explanation
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa. This means it lets people from other countries work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a limited time, usually up to six years. To get an H-1B visa, a person must:
- Have a Job Offer: The worker must have a job offer from a US employer for a role that requires specialized skills.
- Specialty Occupation: The job must need at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field, like computer science or engineering.
- Employer Applies: The employer files a petition with the US government, not the worker.
- Annual Cap: There is a yearly limit on how many H-1B visas are given out (currently 85,000).
The process is competitive, and many more people apply than there are visas available. For more information, you can visit the official USCIS H-1B page.
What’s at Stake: Implications for Different Groups
For American Workers
- Job Security: Some worry that companies use the H-1B program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
- Wages: Critics argue that the program can push down wages in certain fields, especially in tech.
For H-1B Visa Holders
- Vulnerability: H-1B workers can lose their legal status if they lose their job, making them more vulnerable during layoffs.
- Limited Path to Citizenship: Many H-1B holders do not have a clear way to become permanent residents or citizens.
For Employers Like Walmart
- Access to Talent: Companies say they need the H-1B program to fill roles that require special skills.
- Public Scrutiny: Firms face criticism if they are seen as favoring foreign workers over Americans.
For the Tech Industry
- Innovation: The industry relies on a mix of local and global talent to stay competitive.
- Changing Workforce: As technology changes, companies must adapt their teams, which can mean both hiring and layoffs.
The Role of Social Media and Public Opinion
Social media has played a big role in shaping the debate over Walmart’s layoffs and the H-1B visa program. Posts blaming Suresh Kumar and questioning the motives behind the layoffs have gone viral, even though there is no official evidence to support these claims.
This shows how quickly public opinion can turn, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like jobs and immigration. It also highlights the need for clear, factual information.
What Can Be Done: Practical Guidance for Workers and Employers
If you are a worker affected by layoffs or worried about your job, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Follow official company updates and government announcements about layoffs and visa changes.
- Know Your Rights: If you are on an H-1B visa, understand your legal rights and options if you lose your job. The USCIS H-1B page has helpful information.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider talking to an immigration lawyer if you have questions about your status or next steps.
- Update Your Skills: The tech industry is changing fast. Keeping your skills up to date can help you stay competitive.
For employers, it’s important to:
- Be Transparent: Clearly explain the reasons for layoffs and how decisions are made.
- Follow the Rules: Make sure all hiring and layoff practices comply with US labor and immigration laws.
- Support Workers: Offer support to both American and foreign workers affected by layoffs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Work and Immigration
The Walmart layoffs and the debate over the H-1B visa program are part of a bigger story about how work is changing in the United States 🇺🇸. As companies use more technology and face global competition, the need for skilled workers will only grow.
At the same time, the rules for hiring foreign workers are getting stricter, and public opinion is divided. The challenge for companies, workers, and policymakers is to find a balance that supports both innovation and job security.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of this debate will shape not just Walmart’s future, but also the broader direction of the US tech industry and immigration policy.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart’s 1,500 layoffs have sparked a debate about the H-1B visa program and drawn criticism toward CTO Suresh Kumar.
- No official evidence links the layoffs to increased hiring of H-1B workers or to Kumar’s background.
- Recent changes to the H-1B program aim to make it more efficient and fair.
- Different groups—American workers, H-1B holders, employers, and the tech industry—are all affected in different ways.
- Staying informed and understanding your rights is important for anyone affected by these changes.
For more information on the H-1B visa and related immigration forms, visit the official USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page.
By keeping the conversation focused on facts and practical solutions, everyone involved can work toward a fairer and more secure future for workers in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
H-1B visa → A US temporary visa for foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge.
Layoffs → Permanent job terminations made by companies to reduce workforce and cut costs.
Restructuring → Organizational changes aimed at improving efficiency by adjusting workforce and operational processes.
Specialty Occupation → Jobs requiring bachelor’s degree or higher in specialized fields like engineering or programming.
Department of Homeland Security → US government agency overseeing immigration and implementing H-1B visa program rules.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, Walmart cut 1,500 corporate jobs, sparking debate over the H-1B visa. Critics blame CTO Suresh Kumar, but no official proof connects layoffs to H-1B hires. Recent visa reforms aim to improve fairness, amid widespread tech industry layoffs and evolving immigration policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
