Walmart’s recent decision to cut 1,500 jobs has sparked a wave of misinformation on social media, with some MAGA supporters blaming H-1B visa holders and Indian executives for the layoffs. The backlash includes false claims that American workers are being replaced by foreign tech professionals.
Layoffs Linked to Restructuring, Not H-1B Visas
According to Bloomberg, the job cuts are part of Walmart’s broader plan to streamline operations and improve decision-making. The layoffs affect employees in e-commerce, advertising (Walmart Connect), and other departments—not just the tech division typically associated with H-1B hires.
Online Backlash Targets Indian-Origin CTO
Despite a lack of evidence, online critics have singled out Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s Indian-origin Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Social media users claimed, without proof, that the layoffs were to make room for H-1B workers.
One post on X said, “Walmart’s layoffs are from the tech team—just the kind of jobs replaced by H-1Bs.” Another added, “1,500 layoffs? How many H-1B workers will replace them next year?”
Misinformation Turns Political
Some users even dragged former President Donald Trump into the debate, incorrectly suggesting he was responsible. “Walmart is replacing laid-off Americans with H-1Bs. Trump, you are failing America,” one user wrote.
Facts About Walmart’s H-1B Hiring
Walmart does sponsor H-1B visas, but in small numbers relative to its 1.6 million U.S. employees. These visas are for highly skilled roles, not typically in the advertising or retail operations affected by the layoffs.
Walmart Restructuring Continues
These layoffs follow Walmart’s recent move to shut down its North Carolina office and consolidate operations in California and Arkansas. The company also announced price increases earlier this year, pointing to rising costs from Trump-era tariffs on Chinese goods.
Leadership Clarifies: No Link to Foreign Hiring
A joint memo from CTO Suresh Kumar and Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner, reviewed by Bloomberg, confirms the layoffs are part of a long-term business strategy, not an attempt to replace American workers with foreign hires.
Conclusion
Despite online speculation, Walmart’s layoffs are driven by corporate restructuring and not by any effort to increase foreign hiring through H-1B visas. Social media claims blaming Indian executives or foreign workers are inaccurate and misleading.
