"Leaving the U.S. After a Decade: The Bitter Reality for Immigrant Professionals"
"Indian NRI Expresses Disillusionment with Pursuing the American Dream; Plans to Exit U.S. Immediately"
Anjana PV | Stay Connected Nearly a decade in the United States can take its toll, especially for immigrant professionals. Take the case of our recent graduate who arrived on an F-1 student visa, transitioned to a cap-exempt H-1B visa, and has been working as a business analyst for a non-profit organization for the past two years. Despite the promises of permanent residency, the daily grind and personal struggles have left them questioning their future.
"I took a trip back home, and it's been on my mind ever since," they shared on social media. "I feel like I've completely lost my motivation to chase the 'American Dream.' It just doesn't seem worth it anymore."
A fair wage isn't always guaranteed, with our professional earning well below market rate for the role and region. Better-paying job offers quickly disappear once potential employers learn of the visa status. "This job has been my only realistic shot at a green card," they explained. "But now, even that doesn't feel enough to keep going."
The struggles faced by our professional are far from uncommon. Foreign workers, especially those in the non-profit or academic sectors under cap-exempt H-1B visas, often face restricted mobility, career limitations, and a long, uncertain wait for permanent residency[1][2][3].
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The internet community had some interesting responses to this post. One user advised, "You won't face any negative consequences if you leave before your H-1B expires. It won't affect your B1/B2 status." Another user recognized the struggle, stating, "Unfortunately, many Indians in the U.S. share the same sentiment. The $65k salary in the east coast just isn't enough. If you have a quick path to permanent residency, stick around. If not, consider opportunities back in India in a Tier 2 city."
Some commenters offered a more direct approach, with one stating, "Just do it. I've made the decision to move back, too. Life is too short to keep thinking. The sooner you make the move, the better."
Others urged caution, with one user suggesting, "Don't move until you have a job offer in hand." Another bluntly said, "Just go back home. The U.S. isn't the land of hope anymore." A commenter shared their personal experience: "I'm in a similar situation, earning $63k as a Financial Analyst with no bonuses. I came to the U.S. in 2022 for a Masters, graduated in 2023, landed my current job, and got picked for H-1B in October 2024. I've been actively looking for new jobs since August 2023 because I didn't like my JD. I'm seriously considering moving back because I can't save anything. I pay a lot for travel, and the job is only hybrid. I'm not alone in these thoughts."
Insights:
- Limited job flexibility due to sponsorship ties can make changing employers complex and time-consuming for H-1B workers initially sponsored by non-profit or academic institutions.
- Lack of clarity in job security can affect workers in non-profit and academic sectors, even though they are cap-exempt, due to ongoing debates and criticisms around the H-1B program.
- Compensation packages in non-profit and academic sectors might offer lower wages or benefits compared to the private sector.
- The pathway to permanent residency can be long and complex, creating challenges for long-term career planning and mobility.
- Regulatory and policy changes can impact the stability and opportunities available to foreign workers, complicating their career trajectories.
Despite the challenges, cap-exempt H-1B visas allow foreign workers to make substantial contributions to innovation and workforce development in non-profit and academic sectors, which are essential for advancing U.S. competitiveness and research capabilities.
- While contemplating a return to their home country, our professional expressed interest in learning more about defi finance and personal-finance management on social media, seeking strategies to improve their budgeting skills and enhance their financial literacy.
- Recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by immigrant professionals, some online resources on education-and-self-development platforms provide helpful tools for career development, offering tips for job-search strategies and networking opportunities.
- Also on social media, someentrepreneurs shared success stories of launching startups in the entertainment industry, providing an alternate path for immigrants seeking a more fulfilling career and financial stability.
- In an effort to support those struggling under the weight of burnout, online communities and forums focused on mental health offer resources for stress management, coping strategies, and resources for seeking professional help.
- In the face of adversity, it's essential for immigrant professionals to keep networking and connecting with others in similar situations, using platforms like LinkedIn for career advancement and job-search opportunities.
