‘I gave up my H-1B visa because it restricted my potential as an entrepreneur’

An Indian entrepreneur in the United States said they gave up their H-1B visa because it limited their ability to start and run a business. The individual, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the visa as a barrier to entrepreneurial ambition.

The H-1B visa ties a foreign worker to a specific employer, making it difficult to launch a company or work independently. The entrepreneur said the visa's restrictions prevented them from pursuing business opportunities and scaling their venture.

By relinquishing the visa, the entrepreneur gained the freedom to operate without employer sponsorship. They now run their own business, though the decision required leaving the traditional employment path that the H-1B visa supports.

The case highlights a broader challenge for immigrants on work visas who seek to start companies in the United States. Policy advocates have called for reforms to allow visa holders more flexibility to pursue entrepreneurship without jeopardizing their immigration status.