H-1B Visa Rules Force Indian Professional to Leave U.S. After 8 Years

The H-1B visa program in the United States is once again under scrutiny, this time drawing attention from an American citizen frustrated with its rigid rules. Nathan Platter, a Minneapolis-based data scientist, shared the story of a close Indian friend who was forced to leave the country after eight years because she could not secure a new H-1B sponsor within the mandated 60-day grace period.

Platter detailed the professional journey of his friend, who arrived in the U.S. for higher education. She earned a bachelor’s degree over four years, completed a master’s program in two years, and spent the last two years working under an H-1B visa. A sudden job loss triggered the visa countdown, leaving her unable to find an employer willing to sponsor her within the short window. She returned to India, abandoning her home, career, and social circle in Austin, Texas.

In his viral LinkedIn post, Platter criticized the system, stating that the policy wastes talent cultivated in the United States. “We let her study, work, and contribute to this country. After eight years, she had to leave because she couldn’t find a sponsor in 60 days,” he said.

Platter highlighted the personal sacrifices of his friend, who often worked 14-hour days and played an active role in her professional and local communities. He argued that the H-1B program’s strict regulations not only uproot lives but also weaken the U.S. economy.

“The country invests in some of the brightest talent and then loses them to global competitors. This affects startups, landlords, cities, and the broader economy,” Platter wrote. He urged immediate changes to retain skilled foreign workers, emphasizing that reform is needed now, not later.