NRI's American Dream Crumbles After 8 Failed H-1B Visa Attempts
A 35-year-old non-resident Indian has decided to leave the United States after nearly 11 years of struggle. Sai, who moved to America for higher education, recently shared his emotional story online. He explained how repeated failures in the H-1B visa lottery system forced him to abandon his American aspirations.
Educational Journey Meets Immigration Roadblocks
Sai arrived in the United States as a student over a decade ago. He completed his master's degree, pursued another master's program, and eventually earned a PhD. Despite his academic achievements, the professional path proved much more challenging.
The H-1B visa lottery became his recurring nightmare. Sai applied for the work visa eight separate times. Each attempt ended in disappointment when his name wasn't selected in the random drawing. "I worked hard and followed all the rules," he wrote. "I genuinely tried to build a stable life here."
Career Setbacks and Constant Uncertainty
The visa uncertainty created continuous professional instability. Sai lost multiple jobs because of his temporary status. He had to step back repeatedly in his career progression. Living with constant fear about his future became his daily reality.
"My life kept getting stuck because of this uncertainty," Sai explained in his post. "I lost jobs, had to step back again and again, and lived in constant fear about my future."
Personal Life Sacrifices and Family Pressure
The visa struggles extended far beyond Sai's professional life. At 35, he remains unmarried because families showed reluctance to marry their daughters to someone without stable immigration status.
"Because of my visa situation, I never got married," Sai revealed. "There were no matches. People were not willing to marry someone without a stable visa status."
While his peers married, purchased homes, and started families, Sai watched from the sidelines. "I stayed behind—not by choice, but because of circumstances I couldn't control," he wrote.
The most painful aspect involved his parents. They struggled to understand his situation fully. They compared his life with others his age and questioned why he hadn't settled down yet. "It hurt deeply," Sai admitted. "But I stayed silent most of the time."
Sharing His Story to Help Others
Sai decided to share his experience publicly for a specific reason. He knows many other NRIs face similar challenges in the United States. Their lives involve constant struggle, frequent failure, prolonged silence, and mere survival.
After 11 years of trying to make America work, Sai is now planning his return to India. His story highlights the human cost of immigration systems that depend on random lotteries. It shows how talented individuals can invest years in a country only to face repeated rejection through no fault of their own.
The emotional toll extends beyond professional setbacks. It affects personal relationships, family dynamics, and mental well-being. Sai's experience serves as a cautionary tale for other Indians considering the American dream.
