An American data scientist has sharply criticized the United States’ H-1B visa policy after his Indian friend was forced to return home when she couldn’t find a new job within the mandatory 60-day grace period.
The H-1B visa is a U.S. work visa for skilled foreign professionals in fields like tech, engineering, and medicine. It’s valid for 3 years (extendable up to 6). If workers lose their job, they get a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor or leave the U.S. Each year, only 85,000 visas are issued through a lottery. Critics say the system is restrictive and the 60-day rule is unfair, while supporters argue it protects U.S. jobs.
Forced to Leave After 8 Years in US
Nathan Platter, based in Minneapolis, said his friend had built her life in the US over the past eight years — completing four years of undergraduate studies, two years of graduate school, and working for two years. However, after recently losing her job, she was unable to find an employer to sponsor her H-1B visa within two months and was forced to return to India.
Under current rules, H-1B visa holders must either secure new employment within 60 days or leave the country once their job ends.
“This Policy is Ridiculous”
In a post on LinkedIn, Platter expressed frustration over the system:
“We let her study here, work here, pay taxes here. And now we’re kicking her out? She has to uproot her life in Austin, say goodbye to her community, and take all that talent out of the U.S. economy. BACK TO INDIA! This policy is ridiculous.”
He added that his friend worked 14-hour days and contributed significantly to her team, yet had to abandon her career and community because of what he called an “arbitrary” deadline.
Calls for Visa Reform
Platter argued that the US is effectively training and educating bright international minds, only to lose them to global competitors because of outdated immigration policies.
“We need better ways to retain international talent,” he said, calling for a major overhaul of the H-1B visa system.
His remarks highlight growing criticism of America’s restrictive work visa rules, which often disrupt the lives of skilled foreign workers and their families.
