Swapnil Sagar, a former Microsoft professional, has returned to India after spending a decade in the United States, citing visa uncertainty and job instability as key reasons for his decision. He now feels freer in his home country.
Leaving the American Dream
Sagar, an Indian tech worker, moved back to India after experiencing professional highs and repeated immigration stress. In an interview with The American Bazaar, he detailed his journey from India to America and back, including study, work, setbacks, and eventual relocation.
"My decision seemed irrational to many. But I wanted to break free from the constant visa hassles and a life of job insecurity. Life in India has its challenges, but I feel freer," Sagar says.
Journey to the United States
Sagar's journey began in India, where he worked at Accenture before deciding to pursue higher studies in computer science. He moved to the United States to study at the University of Illinois Chicago. "I had a good career back in India. I was working with Accenture; I was single and doing well. But I wanted to study and was particularly interested in computer science, so I decided to apply for a master's in America. I chose UIC in Chicago for its excellent computer science courses," he says.
He initially worked under F-1 status and later on STEM OPT, but his long-term plans were disrupted by repeated visa uncertainty. "The real American visa reality began unfolding when my H-1B application was sent. My H-1B did not get picked up in the first two attempts, so I ended up utilizing almost all three years of my STEM OPT working," he says.
H-1B Lottery and Layoffs
Even after finally being selected in the H-1B lottery, his situation changed again. "I was happy when the third time around my H-1B finally got picked up, but just as I was gearing up for my real work innings in the US, my employer fired me during the visa processing time. The same employer who had filed for my H-1B! And my H-1B was nullified," Sagar says.
Despite setbacks, he rebuilt his career, working at different firms before landing a role at Microsoft. During this period, he got married and bought a home in Houston, which was a stable phase of his life. However, that stability was short-lived. "In May 2025, Microsoft laid me off among 10,000 people," Sagar says.
Decision to Return
Following the layoff, Sagar and his wife questioned their future. His wife, on an H-4 dependent visa and unable to work, also influenced their decision. He noted frustrations with paperwork, visa dependency, and uncertainty in the US system. "I felt that America was no longer the same place where I once came to study. Most of my productive hours were getting wasted filing various forms and documents that did not provide stability," he says.
Eventually, the couple decided to return to India and settle in Bengaluru, where their families are based. "I do miss my clean air and smooth rides to destinations. Also, the work culture in India can be taxing, but despite this, I feel free, as my life is not governed by visas and both my wife and I have our parents near us," Sagar says.
Life After Return
Sagar is now working again as a software developer in India. He says he still reflects on his time in the US, but believes the move has brought a sense of control and closeness to family that he values more than his previous life abroad.
