Indian Tech Expert Stuck In Limbo As H-1B Visa Chaos Bites

The H-1B visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign workers with specialized skills to work in the United States for up to three years, has become a contentious issue in recent years. For Indian nationals who hold these visas, wait times, policy changes, and geopolitics have created a complex web of uncertainty, leaving many stranded in their home country or stuck in limbo.

Puneet Sharma, a director at a Big Tech firm in the US, is one such individual. His visa interview, originally scheduled for December 24, 2025, has now been postponed to July. Sharma remains stranded in India, while his wife and two children—an eight-year-old daughter and a three-month-old son—remain in Palo Alto, California.

The uncertainty surrounding his visa status has taken a toll on Sharma’s mental health, and he struggles to balance work and family responsibilities. His experience is not unique. Ruma Saha, a data science engineer in Dallas, Texas, plans to get married in India in May. However, her lawyer has advised her to defer the wedding until the end of the year, given the prevailing uncertainty over visa stamping and delays.

Saha’s predicament highlights the complexities of the H-1B visa system. The US government has implemented various policies aimed at curbing the abuse of these visas, including increasing the cap on new applications and introducing stricter scrutiny of existing petitions. While these measures are intended to protect American workers, they have also created a culture of uncertainty for foreign nationals who rely on these visas for their livelihood.

The H-1B visa program was introduced in 1990 as part of the Immigration Act, which aimed to address concerns about labor shortages in high-tech industries. The program has been credited with helping the US tech industry grow and innovate, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, over time, it has become a focal point for debates over immigration policy.

In recent years, there have been multiple attempts to reform or even repeal the H-1B visa program. In 2019, President Donald Trump announced plans to end the program, citing concerns about its impact on American workers. While the proposal was eventually dropped, it highlighted the ongoing tensions between those who support the program and those who oppose it.

One of the main arguments in favor of the H-1B visa program is that it helps address labor shortages in high-skilled industries. According to a 2020 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the US is facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent from around the world. The report notes that foreign workers account for nearly 20% of the tech workforce, and that many American-born workers lack the necessary skills to fill high-tech positions.

On the other hand, critics argue that the H-1B visa program creates an unfair advantage for foreign nationals over American-born workers. Many argue that the program is riddled with loopholes and exploitation by employers, who often underpay their foreign workers and fail to provide them with adequate benefits or work protections.

The impact of these tensions on Indian nationals who hold H-1B visas has been significant. Many are being forced to navigate complex bureaucratic processes, uncertain visa policies, and shifting geopolitics. The result is a growing sense of frustration and desperation among those who have invested years in their US careers.

“It’s like we’re caught in a limbo,” said Saha. “We’re not sure if our visas will be approved or denied, and that uncertainty is taking a toll on us. We’re trying to plan for the future, but it’s impossible when there’s so much uncertainty.”

For Sharma and other Indian nationals like him, finding a balance between promoting high-skilled immigration and addressing concerns about labor shortages is crucial. “We need more clarity around visa policies and procedures,” Sharma said. “We also need to find ways to address the root causes of labor shortages, such as increasing investment in education and training programs.”

Ultimately, the H-1B visa program is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As the US tech industry continues to evolve and grow, it’s essential that policymakers prioritize clarity, stability, and fairness for all workers – whether they’re American-born or foreign nationals.

Efforts to streamline the H-1B visa process have been underway in recent months. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced plans to launch a new online system for tracking visa applications, which aims to reduce processing times by up to 75%. Additionally, some lawmakers have proposed legislation aimed at simplifying the visa application process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

While these efforts are a step in the right direction, more comprehensive reforms are needed to address the underlying issues driving uncertainty and frustration among foreign nationals. By working together to find common ground, policymakers can create a more inclusive and equitable immigration system that benefits both American workers and high-skilled immigrants from around the world.

As Sharma navigates his uncertain visa status, he remains hopeful for a better future. “I know I’m not alone in this struggle,” he said. “There are thousands of people like me who are trying to make a living and contribute to the US economy. We deserve better than uncertainty and frustration.”