The debate over America’s H-1B visa system has once again come into the spotlight. This time, however, the demand for reform is not from immigrants but from an American citizen. Nathan Platter, a data scientist from Minneapolis, shared on LinkedIn how his close friend, an Indian professional, was forced to leave the U.S. after eight years due to the programme’s rigid rules. His post has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention across professional and immigrant communities.
Eight Years in the US, Forced to Return
Platter’s friend first arrived in the United States for higher studies. She completed her bachelor’s degree in four years, followed by a two-year master’s programme. For the last two years, she had been working in the country on an H-1B visa.
However, after losing her job, she was unable to find another employer within the 60-day grace period permitted by U.S. immigration laws. As a result, she was compelled to leave her home in Austin, Texas, and return to India.
Platter described the situation with raw emotion. “We let her study here. We let her work here. We let her pay taxes here. And now we are sending her back. After eight years in this country, she is being forced to leave only because she could not find another sponsor within 60 days,” he wrote.
Dedication, But No Option to Stay
The American data scientist also highlighted her work ethic, noting how she often worked up to 14 hours a day, making valuable contributions to her company and community.
“She had to leave her life in Austin. She had to say goodbye to her community. She had to take her talent out of the American economy and back to India. This policy makes no sense,” Platter said.
Calls for Immediate Reform
Platter warned that the current system not only uproots lives but also undermines America’s long-term economic interests.
“We are training some of the brightest people in the world and then handing them over to our global competitors. This hurts startups, landlords, cities and the American economy,” he wrote.
He urged policymakers to act without delay. “We need to find a way to retain foreign talent in this country. H-1B visa rules need to change. Not next year. Not in the future. Now.”