A doctor has raised concerns about increasing stress levels among young Indians living in the United States, particularly students struggling with prolonged visa uncertainty and family separation.
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru, in a post on X, highlighted cases of students pursuing multiple degrees, including double master’s programmes, yet failing to secure H-1B visas — leaving them in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
Visa limbo and emotional toll
According to her post, fear of being denied re-entry to the US prevents many from visiting India, even for family milestones. As a result, they remain abroad, missing weddings, births and time with ageing parents.
“They act as if everything is fine, but deep down they carry unresolved stress,” she wrote, noting that some even miss out on actively parenting their own children due to work pressures and immigration concerns.
She also referred to what she described as the “x+1 syndrome” — the tendency to postpone returning home year after year in the hope that circumstances will improve.
Social pressure and stigma
Dr Sayammagaru added that social perceptions further complicate decisions. Some fear that returning to India may be viewed as a failure. She shared her own experience of being questioned about her decision to move back from the UK, with people assuming visa-related problems rather than personal choice.
Her remarks have sparked discussion online about the mental health impact of immigration uncertainty, especially among professionals from Telugu-speaking states who form a significant share of Indian migrants in the US tech and academic sectors.
Mental health experts say prolonged uncertainty, career instability and distance from family support systems can significantly heighten anxiety and depression risks.
The broader message, observers note, is that professional success abroad often carries emotional trade-offs that remain invisible to the outside world.