Sudden job loss amid US visa chaos leaves Indian worker living his worst fear after chasing the American dream

For thousands of Indians who move to the United States in pursuit of education, career growth, and stability, the American dream often represents more than just financial success — it stands for freedom, opportunity, and personal achievement. But as immigration rules tighten and job markets fluctuate, many find that this dream can unravel overnight. The story of one 32-year-old Indian worker, who spent four years building a life in the US only to face sudden job loss and visa uncertainty, reveals how fragile this dream can be.

Life Built Around a Dream
The worker, who moved to the US in 2021 on an F1 student visa, shared his experience in a Reddit post titled “Feeling lost about returning to India after my STEM OPT ends.” After completing his studies, he began working under the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program — a temporary employment option for graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.


His career path seemed stable until his employer unexpectedly terminated his project, leaving him without a job just months before his visa expiration. He had planned to transition to a Day 1 CPT program to extend his stay, but with limited time and a tightening job market, his chances dwindled. The sudden shift left him feeling as though he had failed to make the most of his opportunity and was being forced back into the life he had once left behind in India.

Visa Uncertainty and a Weak Job Market
Responses from other users highlighted how common such experiences have become among foreign professionals in the US. One commenter said that employers often exploit workers on temporary visas, promising future sponsorships but withdrawing support when convenient. Others pointed out that securing new employment within a short timeframe is increasingly difficult, especially given the current slowdown in the white-collar job market and the high salary threshold of over $100,000 now often tied to H-1B sponsorships.

Some also cautioned against relying on Day 1 CPT programs — which allow students to work while enrolled in new degree courses — as these are under heightened scrutiny by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Several users described them as a risky “grey area” that could jeopardize future immigration prospects.


Despite the disheartening circumstances, many on Reddit encouraged the worker to treat the setback as an opportunity for renewal. A few shared how they had gone through similar experiences — losing their jobs, returning to India, and eventually finding more balance in their personal and professional lives. One user described how moving back home brought emotional stability, family life, and a renewed sense of belonging.

Others, however, argued that returning was a step backward, pointing to India’s infrastructural challenges, lower earning potential, and reduced independence compared to life in the US. They warned that nostalgia might give way to regret once the initial comfort of being home fades.