Retail giant Walmart has announced plans to eliminate 1,500 corporate jobs in the United States as part of a cost-cutting and organizational restructuring effort.
The layoffs, which will impact employees at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as staff in other US office locations, have sparked renewed debate over the H1B visa program and its role in the American workforce.
The move comes amid economic pressures, including rising operational costs, tariff-related price hikes, and shifts in Walmart’s business strategy.
While Walmart insists the layoffs are aimed at streamlining operations, critics argue that the company is prioritizing foreign workers over American employees, fueling concerns about job security and outsourcing practices.
Restructuring Plan at Walmart
According to an internal memo, Walmart’s job cuts will affect employees in global technology operations, e-commerce fulfillment, and its advertising division, Walmart Connect.
The company stated that the restructuring is designed to reduce expenses, improve decision-making efficiency, and align with evolving business priorities.
A Walmart spokesperson explained: “To accelerate our progress in delivering the experiences that will define the future of retail, we must sharpen our focus.”
They added, “This restructuring will allow us to adapt to the changing environment and enhance operational efficiency.”
While Walmart has confirmed that some roles will be eliminated, it also plans to open new positions aligned with its growth strategy.
Walmart Layoffs: H1B Visa Controversy and Social Media Backlash
The layoffs have reignited the ongoing debate over the H1B visa program and its impact on the US job market.
This program allows skilled foreign workers—many of whom are of Indian origin—to be employed in technology roles across the country.
Critics claim that Walmart is replacing American employees with H1B workers, raising concerns about job security.
This has sparked heated discussions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TheLayoff.com.
One user posted: “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 user questioned: “1,500 jobs gone. How many H1B workers are they bringing in next year?”
However, others pushed back against the xenophobic rhetoric, arguing that the real issue is outsourcing by American companies, not the H1B visa holders themselves.
Political and Economic Factors
Walmart is currently dealing with tariff-related challenges, which are affecting its financial strategy.
CEO Doug McMillon has warned that the company may need to raise prices due to high import tariffs.
Former US President Donald Trump criticized Walmart’s stance, stating: “Walmart should STOP trying to blame tariffs as the reason for raising prices.”
He added, “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year. Between Walmart and China, they should ‘EAT THE TARIFFS’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING.”
Walmart responded by reaffirming its commitment to keeping prices as low as possible, despite economic pressures.
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