Epaper
A viral post by an Indian-origin professional in the United States has triggered a major debate around the H-1B visa system and its human cost.
According to a report by The Times of India, the man, identified as Gautam Dey, shared an emotional account on LinkedIn about not being able to travel to India to see his dying mother due to visa-related complications.
Dey, who has been living in the US for nearly two decades on an H-1B visa, said he tried repeatedly to secure a visa appointment to travel, but was unable to do so in time. By the time he could have made the trip, his mother had already passed away.
His post quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions online. Some users criticised him, questioning why he continued to stay in the US on a temporary visa for so long and suggesting that he chose career over family at a crucial moment.
However, many others came out in his support, pointing out the complexities of the US immigration system.
Experts noted that long green card backlogs and visa restrictions often leave H-1B workers stuck, making travel risky and uncertain.
The case has once again highlighted the emotional challenges faced by many Indian professionals working abroad.
Under current visa rules, travelling without proper documentation can put their job, legal status, and family’s future at risk.
Stories like these underline a deeper issue; that immigration policies are not just about jobs and opportunities, but also about personal sacrifices and difficult choices.
As debates continue, the viral post has reignited conversations about whether the current visa system needs reforms to make it more humane for long-term residents.
What kind of person finds an excuse to see his dying mother.
I hate the Visa issue of US but individuals cannot be this lame for visa.
Why is it end of the world and life If you have to leave US.
Living in fear is worse and hiding like a thief in US just scared of visa.
Your mother will be yearning to touch you on the last days of her life. Whatever fu)k you get in life if you cant give that to her, its not worth anything.
This is sad and misrepresenting.
You do not need visa appointment to go to India. It is a choice, the person made.
I know a person, who prioritized family over visa, and eventually was able to get back. It involved some fight though, and additional communication with supporting documentation. The USCIS officials, eventually helped with a visa slot on the way back.
Very sad.
Don’t judge the man. Family, responsibilities, career are all pretty complex issues. His life situation may not be the same an any of our’s. The Indian government has to stand up for its diaspora (not happening with the illiterate jokers we have in the government today) and help mitigate these illogical and frankly inhuman visa policies of the US. I’m not going to criticize a man who’s lost his mother.
Staying in the US through H1b is a choice of individual and it is a previlege and you can not cry on what is defined by the USA. it is their jurisdiction and you dont have any right on that and keep crying. to gain some thing, you lose some thing. being a foreigner and you want every thing as a citizen, then go back to your native country. dont blame the US government.
Always begging like beggers in usa
All this faxke stuff from GA