Debate over the H-1B visa has intensified recently, with the Trump administration signaling a shake-up that could redefine how the program works. Now with the experience of Surbhi Madan, a 30-year-old Google software engineer who shared her experiences and fears speaking to Business Insider, has grabbed the headlines amid the uncertainty of the visa.
Madan, who came to the U.S. in 2013 for her bachelor’s at Brown University, says life still feels “temporary” as she remains dependent on an H-1B visa. She shared how the program has been both a blessing and a burden, giving her incredible opportunities while leaving her future hanging in uncertainty. She was fortunate to win the H-1B lottery on her first try in 2017, but the dependence on it still weighs heavily.
“While the one-third probability of getting picked in the lottery remains the same since I applied in 2017, the job market when I graduated felt better. Companies were hiring and willing to sponsor H-1B applications. I feel like I got really lucky when I compare it to the situation for recent graduates now,” Madan recalled while speaking to Business Insider.
READ: Banks and telecom giants overtake tech in H-1B visa hiring, data shows (June 30, 2025)
“I’m anxious about making mistakes when I drive or file taxes because I don’t want anything to threaten my stay in the country. Because of the visa, my life in the U.S. feels temporary.” Madan added.
This statement says how uncertain is her future in U.S. right now. With Trump’s tougher stance on immigrants and newly proposed rules have put such H1-B visa employees’ future under uncertainty. Also, the “America First” approach and massive layoffs across the tech sector have caused major disruptions to such immigrants. As the sense of instability and uncertainty creeps in at every step when while Madan needs to renew her apartment lease, “I have an option to renew my apartment lease for one or two years, and I always choose one year because I never know how long I’ll be allowed to live in the U.S.,” she said.
With immigration officers under instructions to be extra vigilant, Madan recalled a troubling experience after an international trip. When asked about the purpose of her visit, she simply answered, “I live here.” The officer shot back, “You don’t live here; you work here.”
For her, the H-1B visa’s limitations affect not only her career decision, which prevents her from exploring her passion for teaching, but also her personal life. Madan says the H-1B visa makes her hesitant to make long-term plans like having a family.
READ: DOJ to crackdown hard on H-1B visa holders (February 26, 2025)
That exchange left a lasting mark on Madan, a reminder that even after more than a decade in the U.S., her sense of belonging is always fragile and tied to her visa status. The constraints of the H-1B shape not only her professional choices as holding her back from pursuing her dream of teaching but also seep into her personal life. The uncertainty makes her wary of planning too far ahead, even when it comes to starting a family. “I can’t imagine having a person depend on me while I’m on a temporary status tied to having a job,” Madan admitted.
Madan’s story is just one among many while the details may differ, the struggle feels familiar to countless immigrants navigating life in the U.S. Alongside working professionals, international students too face mounting challenges. Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu recently highlighted this on X, writing: “A recent distress call: a student has taken about ₹70L ($80K) debt at 12% to get a master’s degree in a small college in the US. The problem: the job scene in IT is bad, especially so for foreign students and payments on the loan are starting soon.” Urging caution, he added, “I strongly believe we should not trap young people in debt in the name of education.” For many immigrants today, life in the U.S. feels like walking a tightrope. Though full of opportunity, yet weighed down by uncertainty.