Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has been slammed for his two cents on new green card rules that require green card applicants to leave the US and wait for US permanent residency in their home country. Vembu urged US visa holders to return home and choose self-respect. “I again appeal to Indians who are in the US on visas. Please come home. Even if you feel it is hardship and sacrifice, self-respect should determine your path. Let us make Bharat proud,” Venbu wrote. But the move met with backlash as social media users pointed out that it was not a matter of self-esteem. Many people pointed out that not everyone, like Vembu, can leave the United States like he did after living in the United States for 25 years.The United States has announced “adjustment of status” to make it the norm for visa holders to become permanent residents of the United States. Green cards are only granted in exceptional circumstances, otherwise all green card applicants must return to their home country and must complete consular procedures. The announcement sent shockwaves because it would disrupt the immigration process, and experts were unsure how the new rules would be implemented.But Wimbu’s sermon outraged social media. “Mr. Vembu, it’s easy to tweet, but the reality in India feels very different. The government is corrupt, the country is plagued by pollution, low-quality food and water, and has limited access to better education and opportunity. Even your company can’t match the salary packages of American developers,” one wrote.“If everyone goes back to India, their wages are very low compared to the United States, how will they survive? And there will be no peace here because of high interest rates and inflation.” Therefore, it is not recommended to return to India by leaving the property and luxury life in the US,” wrote another.A third user wrote: “It’s also time to declare you persona non grata in the US and never allow you to set foot in the US for any reason… then let’s see what you tweet. Once your business results plummet… you are no better than the below average Joe in India.”The Zoho founder returned to India after 25 years and chose to settle in rural Tamil Nadu because he advocated cultivating talents in rural India. It is unclear whether he gave up his U.S. green card or whether he became a U.S. citizen over the years.
