Expat’s Stark Warning
An Indian-origin software developer with over two decades of experience in the U.S. has issued a strong caution to students considering higher education in America. Known for his critical views on U.S. immigration policies, Suren has taken to social media to dissuade prospective students from pursuing Education in U.S. #EducationUSA. In a recent post, he advised, “Please don’t come to the USA. These are lies. Don’t believe me? Talk to anyone who came here to study in the last decade. Your dreams will be shattered. There is no future after your education is over. Your entire career will be chasing H1B visas. Green cards for Indian-born individuals have a wait time of approximately 100 years #greencardbacklog.”
Suren’s warning highlights the difficult realities many international students face, including the challenging and often lengthy process of obtaining work visas and permanent residency. His message comes in direct response to the promotion of EducationUSA Fairs by U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti, which aims to attract Indian students to U.S. universities by showcasing opportunities for admissions and scholarships.
Community Reactions and Visa Concerns
Suren’s caution has sparked a broader discussion among Indian immigrants about the current state of the U.S. immigration system. A user named Satya, who has lived in the U.S. for 21 years, concurred with Suren’s warning. Satya noted, “I agree! I am based in the United States and moved from India 21 years ago. Those times were different. Now, it’s India’s time for the next two decades, and smart people will succeed here more than in the USA. The Green Card wait in the U.S. is miserable! Immigration is a major pain point now more than ever, especially for ‘legal immigrants.’”
Other commenters extended their caution beyond the U.S., advising against relocating to Canada as well. One individual remarked, “And don’t come to Canada either. You will get citizenship, but now it’s totally unaffordable, and there are many people without jobs. We all know the law and order situation.”
Another user voiced concerns directly to the U.S. Embassy in India, suggesting that U.S. universities are luring students to boost their own revenues without providing realistic prospects for post-graduation employment. The comment highlighted that even those with U.S. degrees often struggle to secure H1B visas, while individuals with foreign degrees might find it easier to obtain Green Cards.
Safety Concerns and Official Responses
Adding to the discussion, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed concerns about safety on U.S. campuses, following Garcetti’s promotional efforts. Chandrasekhar, who himself studied in the U.S., urged for more transparency regarding campus safety issues, citing recent instances of violence and intimidation on American campuses.
Garcetti had earlier encouraged students and parents to attend the EducationUSA Fairs taking place across India, emphasizing the opportunity to meet representatives from over 80 U.S. universities and explore admissions and scholarship options. In his invitation, Garcetti stated, “Students and parents, I’m thrilled to invite you to our #EducationUSA Fairs, which are taking place all over India this month. This is your chance to meet representatives from more than 80 U.S. universities and learn about admissions, scholarships, and much more. Register now to make your dream of studying in the U.S. a reality: https://bit.ly/EdUSAFair24Emb #USIndiaFWD.”
As students consider their options for higher education abroad, the debate continues, balancing the allure of U.S. universities with the practical challenges posed by visa and immigration policies.
