Rising H-1B Visa Fees: The Resilient American Dream for Indians

Arghya’s aspiration to move to the United States began when he was just 10 years old. It all started after a visit to Kolkata, where he was amazed by his uncle’s luxurious house—a gift from his cousin, a software engineer working for an Indian tech company in the U.S. Stories like Arghya’s reflect the enduring appeal of the American dream among young Indians, especially those in the technology sector.

India has long experienced a brain drain, with a major chunk of its brightest talent leaving for better opportunities abroad, particularly to the U.S. While recent U.S. policies and immigration reforms have aimed to slow this trend by making it tougher for foreign workers to settle permanently, many Indians still view the U.S. as a land of innovative work, better pay, and an improved standard of living.

Some policy experts and Indian government officials hope that restrictive U.S. immigration laws, combined with India’s growing economy, will encourage skilled professionals to stay or return. India has taken steps to strengthen its tech ecosystem to retain talent, yet challenges remain, including limited R&D investment and fewer high-paying opportunities compared to overseas options.

Despite these efforts, many Indian professionals are still drawn by the career growth, global exposure, and personal freedom offered abroad. For many, like Arghya, the lure of building a life in the West remains a powerful driving force.

brain drain, US immigration, Indian tech talent, American dream, skilled professionals