Navigating the American Dream: A Green Card Holder's Perspective on US Immigration
The Shifting Sands of Opportunity: A Migrant's Candid Reflection on American Residency
Early Life Influences and the Lure of American Academia
Mohamed Zeeshan's upbringing as an expatriate in Indonesia, despite his Indian heritage, cultivated a keen interest in global affairs from a young age. This early exposure to diverse cultures fueled his ambition to study in the United States, ultimately leading him to pursue a master's degree at Columbia University in 2016. The appeal of Ivy League institutions, coupled with an admiration for figures like former President Barack Obama—who also had Indonesian ties and spoke on cross-cultural identity—strongly influenced his decision.
Family Negotiations and the Pursuit of a U.S. Education
His family, predominantly from STEM and finance backgrounds, initially viewed his choice of international affairs as unconventional. However, an agreement was reached: he could pursue his studies if he secured financial aid. This arrangement paved the way for his academic journey in the U.S., a decision that would significantly shape his future immigration status.
An Indirect Route to Permanent Residency
After completing his studies in 2018, the political rhetoric surrounding immigration policies intensified, creating an uncertain climate for international students seeking employment. Zeeshan opted against the conventional OPT-to-H-1B visa transition, perceiving employers as hesitant to sponsor international talent. Instead, he worked in management consulting in the Middle East before embarking on an alternative pathway: self-petitioning for a green card in 2021. This rigorous process required extensive documentation to demonstrate his work's national interest, leveraging his background in research and public-interest advocacy. He successfully obtained his green card in 2023, granting him work authorization without employer sponsorship.
Personal Life and the Green Card's Broader Impact
Currently residing in Arlington, Virginia, Zeeshan and his wife have postponed starting a family due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his wife's own green card application. This highlights how immigration processes can deeply influence personal life decisions, particularly within cultural contexts where societal expectations for family milestones are strong.
Motivations Beyond Economic Gain: A Quest for Values
Zeeshan emphasizes that his move to the U.S. was not primarily for financial gain. He notes that his income in Dubai, where he paid no taxes, surpassed his initial earnings in the U.S. post-green card. His true draw to America lay in its foundational values, particularly the freedom of speech and the opportunity to engage in critical discourse, even on sensitive topics. As a Muslim from India, he found the U.S. offered a more conducive environment for expressing his views, especially concerning Indian policymaking, without facing the same level of antagonism he experienced in his home country.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits and the Broader Appeal of the U.S.
In 2025, Zeeshan founded his own consulting firm, attributing his ability to do so to the less bureaucratic environment in the U.S. He also points out that many Indian professionals, particularly women, are drawn to the U.S. for the greater freedom it offers in career and life choices. However, he observes a growing trend where friends and relatives are exploring other countries like Germany and Australia due to the increasing difficulty of securing jobs and visas in the U.S. after graduation.
The Precariousness of the H-1B Visa Pathway
Zeeshan expresses strong reservations about the H-1B temporary work visa, describing it as an unpredictable and inefficient route. The employer-tied nature of the visa leaves individuals vulnerable to job loss and potential forced departure from the country, fostering a constant state of anxiety. Recent policy changes, such as a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee (though later challenged), further exacerbate this uncertainty, making the pathway less appealing. He also notes the rising denial rates for alternative visas like the EB-1A, designed for "extraordinary" individuals, suggesting a broader tightening of immigration policies.
A Future as a U.S. Citizen, but Not via H-1B
Zeeshan aspires to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, acknowledging that future policy shifts could impact this goal. He unequivocally states that, given the current climate, he would not choose the H-1B visa route to immigrate to the U.S. today, underscoring the significant challenges and uncertainties inherent in the syste