‘Is it worth fighting for a green card?’ H-1B visa holder says he has good money but can see parents every two years

Getting an H-1B visa is a dream come true for many Americans, as the work visa allows them to get established in a few years, but one Reddit user who’s had it all shared how he’s starting to question whether the struggle is worth it. The Reddit user came to the United States in 2018 to study for a master’s degree and subsequently found a job at a technology company. On his third try, he was also selected in the 2022 H-1B lottery. “Now I am waiting for my PERM to be approved so that I can finally apply for an I-140,” the post reads.Outlining life in the United States, the Reddit user wrote: “I work long hours. My social life is limited. I see my parents every two years because vacations are difficult and flights are expensive.” My friends back home were buying houses and starting families, while I was still worried about my visa status and whether I could change jobs. “

“Some people become happier after moving back home. As they get older, priorities change. Many realize they are here for the money, but their hearts are elsewhere,” the post added.The 31-year-old has a good income but says he always needs to make a layoff within 60 days of leaving the country.The comments section of the Reddit post sparked an interesting debate as most of the replies stated that waiting for a green card, the stress of a visa before getting it, is not worth it as living in India becomes easy even though making the decision to move back to India is difficult. Instead of choosing between India and the United States, many consider Canada a third, safer option.One respondent, who identified himself as a lawyer, said the choice between India and the United States depends on several factors. “If someone has strong financial backing, a stable support system, and real opportunities in India, it makes sense to return home. But for most people going through immigration proceedings in the U.S., that’s not the case. Many take real financial risks here, including loans, relocation costs, and lost opportunities elsewhere,” the person wrote.