For many skilled Indian professionals, securing an H-1B visa and building a career in the United States represents the ultimate realization of the American Dream. The opportunity to work for leading technology companies, earn a high income, and eventually obtain permanent residency has long attracted thousands of Indians each year. However, for Hemant Shetty, a software engineer who successfully navigated this path and even secured a position at Microsoft, the dream eventually became overshadowed by uncertainty, restrictions, and personal considerations. After spending nearly 11 years in the United States, Shetty has chosen to return to India and pursue entrepreneurship on his own terms.
In an interview with The American Bazaar, a publication that focuses on Indian American issues and US immigration matters, Shetty explained that a combination of visa-related challenges, family responsibilities, and a desire to build his own business ultimately influenced his decision to leave the United States.
Shetty's journey began in 2015 when he moved to America to pursue a master's degree in computer science. Like many international students, he viewed the US as a land of opportunity where talent and hard work could open doors to world-class careers. His professional journey progressed rapidly. He won the highly competitive H-1B visa lottery on his very first attempt, an achievement many applicants fail to accomplish despite multiple tries. He started his career in the healthcare technology sector in Boston before eventually joining Microsoft in Seattle, one of the most sought-after employers in the global technology industry.
Despite reaching a level of professional success that many aspiring engineers dream of, Shetty and his wife never viewed the United States as their permanent destination. One of the major reasons was the extraordinarily long wait faced by Indian professionals seeking permanent residency through employment-based immigration categories. For applicants in the EB-2 category, green card backlogs often stretch across decades, making the prospect of permanent settlement feel increasingly uncertain and distant.
Over time, concerns surrounding immigration policies and visa regulations became increasingly difficult to ignore. According to Shetty, one of the most significant factors behind his decision was the growing unpredictability associated with the H-1B visa system. Changes affecting visa renewals, international travel, and consular appointments created a level of uncertainty that began affecting both his personal and professional life.
A particularly frustrating experience occurred when a planned trip to India was disrupted by visa-processing delays. Shetty explained that he had carefully scheduled a visa appointment months in advance for a visit to India in January 2026. However, despite his planning, the appointment was later rescheduled to 2027, effectively preventing him from travelling as intended.
These disruptions emerged amid broader immigration policy changes introduced during the second Trump administration. Measures such as ending certain third-country visa renewal options and introducing expanded social media screening requirements contributed to growing delays at American consulates, particularly in India. As appointment backlogs increased, many Indian professionals found themselves facing months-long waits for routine visa processing.
The consequences of these delays extended beyond administrative inconvenience. Numerous H-1B visa holders reportedly became reluctant to travel internationally due to fears that they might encounter difficulties returning to the United States. Some employers even advised workers to postpone travel abroad altogether to avoid complications with re-entry and employment continuity.
For Shetty, the issue became even more personal because of concerns regarding his family's wellbeing. His father had recently experienced health-related challenges, and the possibility of being unable to travel home when needed became increasingly troubling.
He explained that the uncertainty surrounding international travel was no longer a sacrifice he was willing to make, especially when the health of his parents was involved. The inability to confidently plan visits home or respond to family emergencies became a major factor in his decision-making process.
Beyond travel-related concerns, Shetty also spoke about how the structure of the H-1B visa itself created obstacles for individuals who aspire to become entrepreneurs. Under current regulations, most H-1B holders remain tied to employer sponsorship, making it difficult to launch independent businesses without jeopardizing their immigration status.
According to Shetty, he had developed a strong desire to pursue his own entrepreneurial ventures. However, the restrictions associated with the H-1B visa prevented him from fully exploring those opportunities. He described this desire as an "entrepreneurial itch" that grew stronger over time and eventually became impossible to ignore.
Although he enjoyed a prestigious position and financial stability within the American technology sector, he felt constrained by a system that discouraged risk-taking and independent business creation among skilled immigrants. For someone interested in building a startup, the limitations imposed by visa regulations increasingly conflicted with his long-term goals.
Another issue Shetty highlighted was the psychological pressure experienced by many foreign professionals working in the United States on temporary visas. During periods of economic uncertainty and layoffs in the technology industry, H-1B visa holders often face unique challenges because their legal status is directly connected to their employment.
Under current rules, individuals who lose their jobs generally have only 60 days to secure another employer willing to sponsor their visa or leave the country. Shetty described this reality as a constant source of stress for many professionals.
He noted that during industry-wide layoffs, workers are often forced to focus not only on finding new employment but also on preserving their legal ability to remain in the country. According to him, no professional should be required to uproot their entire life within two months simply because of changes in the job market.
Shetty also observed that recent immigration policy changes, increased fees, and greater scrutiny have altered the overall experience of living and working in the United States as an H-1B visa holder. He suggested that international travel has become increasingly risky and unpredictable, creating additional anxiety for professionals who previously viewed global mobility as one of the advantages of working in the technology sector.
Despite leaving behind a highly respected role at Microsoft, Shetty says he is optimistic about the future. Returning to India was not a decision driven by disappointment alone but also by opportunity. He now intends to focus on building his own startup and believes that India offers a growing ecosystem for entrepreneurs seeking to create innovative businesses.
According to Shetty, many professionals face similar concerns but are often hesitant to discuss them publicly. He hopes that sharing his experiences may encourage others to think carefully about their priorities and make decisions that align with their personal and professional aspirations rather than simply following conventional definitions of success.
His story highlights a broader shift in how some highly skilled Indian professionals are evaluating opportunities abroad. While the United States continues to offer world-class jobs, cutting-edge technology ecosystems, and significant earning potential, increasing immigration uncertainty, family considerations, and entrepreneurial ambitions are prompting some individuals to reconsider whether remaining in America remains the best long-term option.
For decades, the H-1B visa symbolized a gateway to professional advancement and economic opportunity. However, experiences like Shetty's illustrate that for some individuals, the equation is changing. The prestige, stability, and financial rewards associated with working in the United States are increasingly being weighed against concerns about immigration uncertainty, family obligations, and the desire for greater professional freedom. As India continues to strengthen its startup ecosystem and economic opportunities expand, more professionals may find themselves asking the same question that Shetty ultimately answered for himself: whether the American Dream is still worth the personal and entrepreneurial compromises that often accompany life on an H-1B visa.
