An Uber ride in San Francisco has revealed a harsh look at the job market for Indian techies in America. Antim Labs engineer Ronald Netawat booked a cab and was shocked after learning about the driver’s past work experience.
A Tech Veteran Behind the Wheel
The driver was an Indian-origin tech professional with 25 years in the industry. He had worked as a project manager at Apple and Verizon, and also served as a CTO. One layoff changed everything and pushed him into driving a cab for income.
Long Journey to Citizenship
He moved to the US in 2007 on an H-1B visa and completed naturalisation after 15 years. Even citizenship could not protect him from what he claimed was a layoff by Cognizant where he worked as a project manager.
Verification on LinkedIn
Netawat checked the driver’s LinkedIn profile and work history to confirm the story. He wrote that “SF is insane” while sharing his experience online.
Tougher Policies and Heavy Fees
The US has tightened H-1B rules and increased fees for companies that hire foreign workers. These changes, presented as protection for American jobs, have created pressure on immigrants who have lived in the country for many years.
A Warning for Indian Tech Professionals
The story is a reminder of the risks faced by Indian techies in the US. If a naturalised citizen is forced to work as an Uber driver, the situation for H-1B and F-1 OPT holders appears even more uncertain. The American Dream now feels less like a promise and more like a gamble.
