Zoho Corp. Founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked fresh discussion around America’s high-skilled visa program, urging Indian tech workers in the U.S. to rethink their dependence on the H-1B system. Posting on X, Vembu suggested that professionals consider building their careers back in India, a call that comes as Washington moves forward with a steep $100,000 surcharge on new visa applications.
Vembu framed the policy shift as less of a setback and more of a chance for Indian professionals to reimagine their future at home. He pointed to the Sindhi community, which managed to rebuild prosperous businesses and livelihoods in India after the partition of India and Pakistan, as an example of how adversity can turn into long-term resilience and opportunity.
“I have heard so many accounts from Sindhi friends about how their families had to leave everything and come to India during partition. They rebuilt their lives, and Sindhis have done well in India. I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H-1B visa in America, this may be that time. Come back home. It may take 5 years to rebuild your lives, but it will make you stronger. Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well,” his X post reads.
Vembu’s comments quickly drew sharp and divided responses online. One user pushed back, writing, “Spreading fear without knowing the facts. People already on an H-1B visa do not have to worry since the new rules don’t apply to them. The new rules are for the new H-1B applicants only.”
Others weighed in with broader context. “You may hear the same stories from Bengalis and Punjabis. But it took almost 3 generations to reach where they are now. It’s not easy. And it’s not as bad either,” one person noted.
Another user rejected Vembu’s analogy outright, saying, “One cannot compare the plight of Refugees of 1947 partition & some folks on H1B returning home after expiry of their Visa or otherwise. 1947 Refugees faced death, rapes, violence, loot & hardships in this journey. They lived without a roof over their head & food in their stomach.”
“Absolutely! Challenges like this are never easy, but they can be the start of something bigger. Coming back home may take effort to rebuild, but India is full of opportunities for talent and hard work. The world is led by optimistic people. With courage and perseverance, they will thrive and create an even stronger future,” said another user agreeing with Vembu’s post.
READ: Immigration attorneys prepare lawsuits against Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee (
On Friday, President Trump announced a sweeping change to America’s high-skilled visa program, slapping a $100,000 fee on every new H-1B application. Bloomberg first broke the story, which quickly rattled immigration lawyers, tech professionals, and companies that rely heavily on the program. A White House official later confirmed the move to the New York Post.
The White House later clarified that the proclamation, issued on September 19, applies only to new H-1B filings. The $100,000 fee will not affect current visa holders or applications submitted before 12:01 a.m. on September 21.
Vembu’s comments have split opinions. Some see his advice as a practical call to consider opportunities back in India, while others feel he downplayed the real struggles tied to immigration. The mixed reactions show how sensitive and personal the H-1B issue continues to be.