I moved to the US on a green card. I wouldn't do the same today on an H-1B visa.
An Indian national living in the US shares his personal experience navigating the immigration system and his growing concerns regarding visa uncertainty. He reflects on his journey from international student to green card holder while highlighting the challenges faced by current H-1B visa workers.
Why it matters
It provides a human perspective on the impact of shifting US immigration policies on skilled foreign workers and their long-term stability.
Mohamed Zeeshan self-petitioned for a green card in 2021. Courtesy of Mohamed Zeeshan Mohamed Zeeshan moved to the US as a green card holder in 2023. He was drawn to American liberties, such as free speech and a lack of bureaucracy. But Zeeshan is concerned about how visa uncertainty is affecting immigrants today. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mohamed Zeeshan, 32, an Indian national and green card holder, who lives in Arlington, Virginia. The following has been edited for length and clarity. My parents are both Indian. I was born in Indonesia because my father's job took him there, but we moved back to India when I was 7. In Indonesia, everyone knew me as the Indian kid, and in India, everyone knew me as the kid from Indonesia. Since I'd spent my early life as a foreigner, I developed an interest in international affairs.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in