Anupam Mittal recalls returning his green card as US freezes PERM for Indian IT firms

In a surprising turn of events, US immigration officials have recently put a halt to the green card process for several major Indian IT firms, including Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Cognizant, and Capgemini. The freeze impacts Microsoft and Adobe as well, as they are also barred from accepting new applications or processing pending labor certification requests. The decision has caused concern among thousands of foreign workers, particularly those from India, who are employed in the US technology sector.

In a reflective post on LinkedIn, entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal shared his personal experience of giving up his green card years ago. Mittal, who achieved the "American dream" as a multimillionaire within a few years, decided to return to India in 2004 to build his own companies. He continued visiting the US annually to maintain his residency status, but struggled with whether he should retain his green card.

When he finally surrendered it at the US consulate in Mumbai, the officer was surprised by his decision and warned him that once a green card is relinquished, it may never be returned.

Mittal joked about the meeting, describing it as "full emotional atyachar," and expressed relief at walking away from the office with the green card still in his possession. A year later, he returned to the consulate and completed the process, feeling liberated and at peace.

Mittal used his story to discuss the changing perspectives of Indian entrepreneurs and professionals. Had he remained in the United States, he might have become a wealthy tech executive. Instead, returning to India allowed him to build companies, invest in over 300 startups, and become a part of the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem.

Mittal questioned what could have been if he had stayed in America, suggesting that he might have become a wealthy VP at a tech company, struggling with AI-related job concerns. He argued that the current turmoil over H-1B and green card issues in America is finally breaking down the notion that success in the US is the only path to success. Mittal believes that the time is right for building global tech and brand companies from India.