Meta Layoffs Highlight Visa Holder Challenges in the U.S.
Rafa Maximo, a former Meta employee, shared his experience of facing potential job loss during Meta's mass layoffs in November 2022. As a visa holder on an L-1 visa, Maximo's life was closely tied to his employment at Meta, which provided him with essential tools and resources. The layoffs posed a significant threat not only to his job but also to his lifestyle and immigration status. After realizing the precariousness of his situation, Maximo self-petitioned for a green card, which he received in 2025, allowing him to work independently as an AI marketing and digital growth advisor. His story underscores the vulnerability of visa holders in the tech industry, who may face sudden disruptions due to corporate decisions.