Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu urges Indians on H-1B visa in US to return home

Zoho founder and former CEO Sridhar Vembu has urged Indians working in the United States on H-1B visas to consider returning home instead of “living in fear,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

His advice comes after US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee for all new H-1B visa applications, a move that has raised concern among Indian professionals.

Vembu, who holds advanced degrees from Princeton University and spent part of his early career in the U.S., referenced stories of Sindhi families who relocated to India during Partition and rebuilt lives from scratch. He wrote:

“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.”

He added, “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.”

Vembu concluded his post with encouragement, “Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well.”

The post was polarizing on X, drawing mixed reactions from users. One user wrote that while Sindhis rebuilt in India, it took almost three generations to reach current status. Another questioned whether there exist systems that support builders without discrimination.

Under the H-1B program, foreign workers with specialised skills — engineers, programmers, scientists — are allowed in the US initially for up to three years, with possible extension to six years. India accounts for around three-quarters of visa allocations under this lottery-based system, according to AFP.

The series of developments — Vembu’s message, the fee hike, and the debate it has triggered — reflect growing uncertainty and concern among Indian H-1B holders about their future prospects abroad.