Recent changes and uncertainty around the H-1B visa process have created immense anxiety among visa holders. From reports of a $100,000 application fee proposal under President Donald Trump, to increased social media checks and sudden rescheduling of visa interviews, the US government is closely scrutinising the system more than ever.
Against this tense scenario, one H-1B visa holder shared a deeply personal post in a private Facebook group of over two lakh Indians. He wrote about the sudden death of his father in India and the painful dilemma he now faces, whether to travel home for the last rites or remain in the US due to fears around visa and re-entry complications.
What does the post read?
The post reads, “My dad died today I do not have any appointed for H-1B stamping, my adjustment of status is under processing. But date is not current. Any recommendations on what to do. I want to go alone, to India for last rite and leave my wife and kids here for few days. I tried to schedule visa appointment but unable to do so. Please advise.”
Advice from Immigration attorneys
Immigration attorney Gnanamookan Senthurjothi weighed in on the situation through a LinkedIn post, calling it one of the most difficult scenarios a non-immigrant can face. “This is one of the toughest situations a nonimmigrant can face, where a simple policy change disrupts their entire life. We wouldn’t want this person or anyone in a similar situation to take an emotional decision (easy to say), but be practical given the complications surrounding the H-1B visa and appointment in India,” he wrote.
Senthurjothi’s caution is similar to immigration lawyers across the US In recent weeks, several attorneys have urged non-immigrant visa holders to avoid international travel, especially at a time when many would otherwise be planning visits home to see family.
Renowned immigration attorneys Emily Neumann and Rahul Reddy have gone so far as to issue what they called an “urgent travel warning” for foreign nationals currently in the United States.
“Urgent Travel Warning: Non-Immigrant Visa Holders, Do Not Travel Outside the USA,” Emily Neumann, popularly known as the ‘Immigration Girl’ on X, wrote on the social media platform. According to her official profile on the website of a leading Texas-based immigration law firm, Neumann is a Managing Partner at Reddy Neumann Brown PC and has over 15 years of experience practising U.S. immigration law for American and multinational companies.
Concerns are not limited to legal experts alone. According to recent internal memos, tech giants Apple and Google have also warned some US based employees on visas against travelling abroad, pointing out the risk of being unable to return as the Trump administration tightens scrutiny of visa applicants.
Social media weighs in
Members of the Facebook group where the original post appeared shared a wide range of perspectives, shaped by their own personal experiences.
One user wrote, “My deepest condolences. My dad passed away earlier this year. Fortunately all of us are USC so immigration was not an issue, so I left the next day. But 4 years ago my aunt passed during COVID, and my cousin couldn’t go due to COVID related travel restrictions and having really young kids. He ended up doing puja at a temple in US. So strangers on the internet can give you all sorts of suggestions, but they are not the ones who will have to live with the consequences of the decisions. Decide based on priorities and constraints. If going to India cause major hardships for your family here in US, then don’t feel sorry if you can’t make this trip. Pray for the departed soul and do any relevant puja here. You dad’s soul will understand why you took the decision. On the other hand, if paying last respects in India is critical for you then do it. But do what makes sense for you, not because of guilt tripping by strangers who have nothing to lose.”
Another member shared a contrasting experience, urging him to travel despite the hurdles. “I am so sorry for your loss. Please try to go. I lost my Dad just a few weeks ago and I had to apply for an Emergency Visa to India..had to go through a handful of hurdles but after I got there and did my final rites for my dad gave me immense satisfaction and peace in the midst of sadness.. kind of a peace that I bid farewell to my dad and sent him to heaven peacefully.. please GO otherwise you will regret it later! My prayers!.”
A third commenter offered a perspective from an older generation, writing, “I am 72 yrs old and belong to your parents’ generation. I am sure your father would not like if you prioritize his last rites over the future of your family. In fact, in covid times and even otherwise while going back from we dont know if we will see our son again. But still we tell him not to hurry and come for last rites if it jeopardize the future of his family. So in these uncertain days dont…”
Disclaimer: The content in this article is based on a viral social media discussion and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The financial figures and strategies mentioned are personal to the user and have not been independently verified. This story does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any specific investment strategy. Readers are advised to consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor before making financial decisions.
