A post on Team Blind has struck a nerve with Indian expatriates in the U.S., sparking a wave of deeply personal responses about immigration, identity, and the long-term sustainability of life on a visa.
The original post asked pointedly, “What is your endgame? Do you really like the isolated 3rd grade VISA dependent life and happy to continue until you die? It was great in the 20s but not anymore lol.”
The question quickly evolved into a wide-ranging discussion on the realities many immigrants face as they grow older in a foreign country, often separated from aging parents, cultural roots, and long-term community.
One user cautioned that returning to India isn’t the simple solution it seems, “What choice do most people have? Do you think friends or people you left behind in India in early 20s would be waiting for you? Visiting India for 3 weeks versus permanently relocating is different,” the commenter shared. “Most people end up returning back to the US in 2 to 5 years. Sure, there are exceptions. But statistically, majority of people end up moving back.”
They referenced online communities like R2Iclub and R2Iforums, where many returnees report social disconnect and a difficult time reintegrating after years abroad.
Other users shared alternative visions—ones shaped by financial independence and the flexibility of remote work, “Just the 401K here for the free cash match. Everything else liquid/in India. Not mid 30s tho… 29. End game is to FIRE in a tier 2 [Indian city]. Wife has the same idea.”
Another user praised the best of both worlds lifestyle, “Being NRI is great. Especially now when companies offer months for WFH. Go home for 6 weeks during bitter winter months and enjoy India… Then after enjoying the reasons—street food, cheap luxury resorts—go back and enjoy civic life.”
A particularly detailed and emotional response came from a woman who, alongside her husband, is seriously considering returning to India to be closer to aging parents and improve their family’s quality of life: “Never thought seriously about this but the last year me and husband (both 37 y/o) have had many discussions where we feel at this point India might be better. I grew up in a T1 city in India so most of my side of the family is back there including sibling… We have a 5 y/o so planning to head back in a couple years before it becomes hard for kid to adapt to India.”
In a follow-up, she added details that reflect the complexity of the decision: “Combined NW [$]2M. HHTC around [$]650k atm for the last 3 years. Grew up in Bangalore. Husband’s company has Bangalore presence but we plan to only move if we can work out a WFH situation at least for him and a remote role for me. Can’t imagine commuting in the Bangalore pollution, traffic, and general madness. Planning to coast fire once back in India but Bangalore real estate is so insane that I have to wonder if we can truly step back 😅.”