Ananya Joshi, an Indian professional who had been candidly sharing her job-hunting experiences online, has returned to India after being unable to secure employment in the United States. On September 29, Joshi posted an emotional Instagram video from the airport, calling her departure “by far the hardest step” in her journey.
The 2024 Northwestern University graduate, who earned a master’s degree in Biotechnology, described the US as her “first home” as an independent adult. “Though short lived, I really appreciate the life you gave me AMERICA, I LOVE YOU,” she wrote in her farewell note.
Joshi said her former employer had verbally assured her they were e-verified, which later turned out to be untrue, she mentioned to 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,” she said. Because of this misrepresentation, she lost the opportunity to apply for her STEM extension.
Describing her struggle to remain in the US workforce, Joshi recalled, “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.”
Her story has sparked wider discussion online about the challenges international students face in pursuing the “American Dream,” where hard work and persistence do not always guarantee stability or success.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
