Ready to Leave US: Immigrant worker on H-1B visa opens up about burnout, low pay, and fading hopes of a Green Card
After nearly nine years in the United States, an Indian-origin immigrant has sparked a wave of online discussion after revealing their intent to leave the country, disillusioned by the pursuit of the so-called “American Dream.” , reported financialexpress.com.
On a cap-exempt H-1B visa and earning below-market wages, the NRI questions if the grind is still worth it.
In a widely shared social media post, the user, who arrived in the US on an F-1 student visa and currently works as a business analyst under a cap-exempt H-1B at a non-profit, candidly wrote: “I recently went home for the first time in a long time. Ever since I returned, I’ve been thinking seriously about moving back. I feel like I’ve completely lost the motivation to keep chasing the ‘American Dream.’”
Despite legally working toward permanent residency, the NRI described feeling burnt out, underpaid at $65,000 per year, and stuck in a role that offers little mobility due to visa restrictions. “Better offers vanish the moment I mention my visa status,” they said. “Now, even the green card doesn’t feel like enough to keep going.”
Low pay, restricted career growth, and long green card waits are pushing many NRIs to rethink US dreams.
The sentiment resonated with many others online, especially foreign workers in similar visa situations. One user echoed: “Many Indians in the US feel the same way. $65k doesn’t get you far on the East Coast.” Another added: “Don’t think, just do it. Life is too short to keep grinding without clarity or reward.”
Others offered caution. “Don’t move until you land a job offer in hand,” one person advised, while another bluntly stated: “US is not the land of hope anymore.”
A fellow immigrant shared their story to show solidarity: “I’m on H-1B too, earning $63k with no bonuses. Been looking for a new job for months. Paid off my student loans, but saving is hard, and I’m constantly traveling even though it’s a hybrid role. You’re not alone.”
As visa backlogs and stagnant pay continue to challenge thousands of foreign workers in the US, more voices like this NRI’s are adding to a growing narrative of burnout and reconsideration.
