An Indian-origin investor recently shared his Green Card journey on social media, but faced significant backlash for appearing to side with those who wait decades for permanent residency in the United States without success. The post from Arnav Sahu, a Silicon Valley investor, came in response to new Green Card rules announced by the US administration. Under these rules, many applicants will be required to leave the US and apply for their Green Card from their home country. The Adjustment of Status process, which allows applicants to change their non-immigrant visa to a Green Card, will now only be permitted in cases deemed appropriate by the administration, not universally.
Sahu's Green Card Experience
Sahu stated that it took him eight years to obtain a Green Card, which he described as relatively fast because he applied through a special petition under the EB-1 category. The EB-1 visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational managers and executives. Not everyone qualifies for this category, resulting in a shorter waiting period. Sahu acknowledged, "I know of people who've been in the country for 25 years, have kids and still don't have a green card."
Context of the Discussion
Sahu was responding to a post by Canadian engineer Trevel Blackwell, who commented on the new rule. Blackwell wrote, "People may not know that the processing time for green card applications are months to years. So someone could come on a O-1 or H-1B, work for 5 years, become critical in their role, apply, and then have to abandon their job. Incredibly harmful to US industry."
Social Media Backlash
Sahu's eight-year wait story did not resonate well with many social media users, who questioned why foreigners feel entitled to a Green Card in the US. Critics pointed out that the backlog in the system exists because too many people have been allowed to obtain Green Cards. One user commented, "Which is proof too many have been let in. If it were the appropriate amount, the envisioned system could handle the flow." Another wrote, "Why do Indians expect special treatment? I'm an immigrant also and we took much longer to get citizenship. You're coming on a temporary visa. Temporary. No one owes you a green card because you keep extending the temporary status you have."
Reactions to Long-Term Temporary Status
Regarding Sahu's mention of people living in the US for 25 years with families and children on temporary visas, social media users questioned why these individuals do not leave the US. One user asked, "Why are they having children on a TEMPORARY visa?" Another stated, "It took me 12. That's the process. So what's your point? It is not supposed to be a fee for all. US, just like India, Australia, Canada, etc., has the right to be selective."
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