'Come back home': Zoho founder says it may be time for H-1B visa holders to rebuild lives in India

Sridhar Vembu

Dr Sridhar Vembu, Founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation, has urged Indians who hold the H-1B visas in the United States to return home and rebuild lives in India.

He also compared this time to the Partition of 1947 and said that Indians in the US should return to India like back then - to build their lives from scratch in India.

"I have heard so many accounts from Sindhi friends about how their families had to leave everything and come to India during partition. They rebuilt their lives and Sindhis have done well in India," Sridhar Vembu said.

"I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H1-B visa in America, this may be that time. Come back home. It may take 5 years to rebuild your lives but it will make you stronger," he said, adding, "Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well."

Meanwhile, airports saw chaotic scenes as the news spread with several people getting off from planes in the US as soon as they got to know of the Trump administration's decision. Several Indians were on their way home for the festive season when the announcement was made.

According to the new rule by Trump, one should ideally enter US before 12:01 am EDT (9:31 pm IST) on September 21. After that deadline, no H-1B worker will be allowed to enter US unless the sponsoring employee pays the $100,000 fee.

Top tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft and JP Morgan have advised their employees holding H-1B visas not to leave the US. Those who are currently abroad have been asked to return to the United States immediately, owing to the new rules by the Trump government.

However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on her X account on September 21 that the new H-1B visa fee rule will be applicable only for fresh applicants and existing holders can re-enter without paying any charges.