Ananya Joshi, an Indian biotechnology graduate, said that her American dream ended abruptly when her employer refused to sponsor her visa despite earlier assurances. Ananya Joshi explained that she was on an F-1 visa when she was laid off during her Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. She told NDTV, “At that time I did not panic because I knew I had an additional two years of my OPT, but in order for me to work on my extension OPT, the company would have to be e-verified.”
Ananya Joshi revealed the employer had assured her “verbally” that they were e-verified but that turned out to be untrue. As a result, she lost the chance to apply for her STEM extension and was eventually let go. Describing her struggle to find work, Ananya Joshi added,
“Even in that very little time, two months, I did have 20 to 30 interviews in the US, but none of them were willing to hire anybody who was working on F-1 OPT. They all needed a green card or citizenship.”
Ananya Joshi’s story gained attention after she posted an emotional farewell video on Instagram, documenting her departure from the US. In the caption, she wrote, “By far the hardest step in this journey. Even though I seemed to have accepted my reality, nothing could have prepared me for this day. America was my first home as a financially independent adult and that will always be a special thing to me. Though short lived, I really appreciate the life you gave me AMERICA, I LOVE YOU.”
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The post went viral, resonating with international students and professionals struggling with the complexities of the visa system as US President Donald Trump tightens visa restrictions, raising the cost of H-1B applications to $100,000- up from the previous range of $2,000–$5,000. The move has fueled concerns among American companies and immigrant workers.
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