An Indian-origin tech professional working at a top-tier FAANG company in the United States has sparked conversation online over the dilemma of moving back to India after nearly two decades. Having lived in the US for 18 years, the individual, who is now a green card holder, faces a life-altering decision. Despite building a stable life with a high-paying job, two young US-born children who are aged 8 and 3, and a clear path to American citizenship in four years, a lucrative job offer from a FAANG company in Bengaluru has triggered a deep conflict. “If I move back now, I have to give up my green card which is a huge decision,” the post reads. “Our kids will have a different citizenship than us, which might make it harder if they want to return to the US for college or to settle down.”
Why does he want to move back to India?
He also expresses growing concerns about aging parents in India and the alienation of living as a “permanent outsider” despite years spent in the US. “This feels like the only exit window,” the post notes. “Once the kids are older, moving back might become impossible.” However, the return is not without its challenges. Concerns about India’s urban quality of life, particularly air pollution and long commute times in cities like Bengaluru,loom large. At the same time, the poster worries about taking the children away from a relatively privileged and stable life in the US.
‘Take the offer and move’
Netizens poured in their opinions. A user noted, “I have no answer for you but feel your sentiments. I am almost in a similar situation. Parents are alone in India getting old while I am in Canada and have a daughter who is born here. While I want to stay in Canada for daughter but also want to be with parents in India to take care of them.”
Another added, “Been through that dilemma. tldr; Take the offer and move. Check if META has any benefit/package for relocation-to-India – if so this will cover your logistics of move and temporary accomodation for a few months. It is not just Citizenship, then its passport, then its Indian CZ renunciation + OCI, … the list goes. If for sure after CZ you must move, then you have the live the next 4 years also with the mindset of moving back in 5 years. Your older kid will be 12 or 13 and it might be tougher for 7th or 8th grade. state language is mandatory mostly in all schools all boards. Kids are right age to easily adjust now to all aspects. although we dont know the timelines of future, but they can sponsor you again when they move to US for education or work.”
“FAANG job may be fleeting – these companies hire and fire at will. Get your US citizenship and then move back to India,”warned a netizen. “If you wait, it’ll be too hard for your older kid to adjust. People here only think in terms of money and citizenship. But it’s your life. Do you want to retire in the US or in India? If you want to retire in India, you can take the call to come back and spend more time with parents. If you want to retire in the US, wait for your citizenship,” claimed another. A user added, “It all depends. If you feel guilty about moving to India and are ok with the hollow, sterile lifestyle in U.S. you have already make your choice. DO NOT pin your decisions on your kids they will be just fine if not better in India (heck you studied here and went to U.S. and did well). Ultimately life is not just about yourself and clean roads and buildings it is much much more.”