Shark Tank India judge and People Group founder Anupam Mittal has stirred a fresh conversation around the H1-B visa and Green Card experience in the United States, sharing a bold reflection on his own journey as an immigrant entrepreneur. In a recent podcast appearance and subsequent social media post, Mittal said, “I thought my H1-B and Green Card was a success. Turns out, it was a trap that almost cost me my dream.”
His remarks have gone viral across startup and tech circles, reigniting debates on the limitations of America’s immigration system for high-skilled professionals. Mittal, who spent several years in the US before returning to India to build Shaadi.com and other ventures, described the visa process as “restrictive, disempowering, and deeply flawed for those who want to build.”
Anupam Mittal’s H1-B Experience – Key Reflections
| Phase of Journey | Visa Status | Challenges Faced | Outcome / Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (1990s) | H1-B Work Visa | Limited job mobility, employer dependency | Stayed for tech exposure |
| Mid Career (2000s) | Green Card Process | Long wait times, lack of entrepreneurial freedom | Returned to India, launched Shaadi.com |
| Post-Return (2010s–2020s) | Indian Entrepreneur | Built multiple ventures, invested in startups | Became Shark Tank judge, investor |
Mittal’s critique focused on the structural rigidity of the H1-B visa, which ties skilled workers to specific employers and restricts entrepreneurial activity. “You’re stuck. You can’t start something. You can’t pivot. You’re just a cog in someone else’s wheel,” he said. He also highlighted the emotional toll of waiting for permanent residency while watching peers build companies and raise capital.
His comments come at a time when the US immigration debate is intensifying, with thousands of Indian professionals facing long Green Card backlogs and limited pathways to startup creation. Mittal’s story has resonated with many who feel trapped in the system despite their talent and ambition.
H1-B and Green Card – Structural Limitations for Entrepreneurs
| Visa Type | Duration / Validity | Key Restrictions | Impact on Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|---|---|
| H1-B Work Visa | 3 years + 3-year extension | Employer sponsorship required, no independent business | Limits startup creation, risk-taking |
| Green Card | 10+ year wait for Indians | Long processing time, limited mobility during transition | Delays career pivots, funding access |
Mittal’s post has sparked reactions from fellow entrepreneurs, immigration lawyers, and tech leaders. Silicon Valley investor Naval Ravikant reposted the clip, saying, “This is why talent is fleeing to places that reward risk.” Indian-origin founders in the US echoed similar sentiments, calling for reforms that allow high-skilled immigrants to build without fear of visa loss.
The US currently issues 85,000 H1-B visas annually, with over 70% going to Indian nationals. However, the Green Card backlog for Indians exceeds 1.2 million, with wait times stretching beyond 15 years for many applicants. This bottleneck has led to a brain drain, with many choosing to return to India, Canada, or the UAE to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions.
Indian Professionals in US – Immigration Bottleneck Snapshot
| Metric / Category | Value / Estimate (2025) | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| H1-B Visas Issued | 85,000 annually | 70%+ to Indian nationals |
| Green Card Backlog (India) | 1.2 million+ | Longest wait time among all nations |
| Average Wait Time | 15–18 years | Career stagnation risk |
| Return Migration Trend | 35% increase since 2020 | India, Canada, UAE preferred |
Mittal’s remarks have also sparked a broader conversation about India’s startup ecosystem and its ability to absorb returning talent. He credited India’s evolving tech landscape, investor appetite, and policy support for enabling his success post-return. “India gave me the freedom to build. The US gave me the skills, but not the space,” he said.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to attract global talent, including Startup India, Digital India, and the recent Global Capability Centers (GCC) push. These programs offer tax incentives, regulatory ease, and funding access for entrepreneurs and returning professionals.
India’s Startup Ecosystem – Support for Returning Entrepreneurs
| Initiative / Program | Launched Year | Key Features | Impact on Talent Repatriation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup India | 2016 | Tax breaks, funding access, mentorship | 100K+ startups registered |
| Digital India | 2015 | Infrastructure, digital literacy | Boosted tech adoption, rural reach |
| GCC Expansion | 2023 | MNCs setting up R&D hubs in India | Job creation, reverse migration |
| DPIIT Recognition | Ongoing | Fast-track approvals for startups | Easier compliance, investor trust |
Social media platforms have lit up with reactions to Mittal’s post, with hashtags like #H1BTrap, #GreenCardBacklog, and #BuildInIndia trending across Twitter and LinkedIn. Many users shared their own stories of visa struggles, startup dreams deferred, and the emotional toll of immigration uncertainty.
Public Sentiment – Anupam Mittal’s H1-B Take
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 82% supportive | #H1BTrap #BuildInIndia |
| 980K views | 85% constructive | #GreenCardBacklog #StartupFreedom | |
| YouTube | 860K views | 78% empathetic | #AnupamMittal #ImmigrantVoices |
| 720K views | 80% inspirational | #VisaJourney #EntrepreneurLife |
Mittal’s bold take has reignited calls for immigration reform in the US, especially for high-skilled professionals who contribute to innovation and economic growth. Advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to introduce startup visas, reduce Green Card wait times, and decouple work authorization from employer sponsorship.
As Anupam Mittal’s story continues to inspire and provoke, it serves as a reminder that talent needs freedom—not just opportunity. His journey from H1-B holder to startup icon is a testament to the power of choice, and the importance of building ecosystems that empower creators, not constrain them.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, social media posts, and verified immigration data. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
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