F-1 OPT’s Tragic Dilemma: FAANG Job or Sick Mom?

America’s immigration system is pushing international students into impossible situations.

A tragic social media post of a STEM student on an F-1 visa has left everyone stunned. The student with an Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit just landed a dream job at a FAANG company. However, he is suddenly met with the heartbreaking news that his mother is diagnosed with cancer.

For anyone, this would be a no-brainer to help your ailing mother back and travel back home. However, the US putting strict curbs against immigrants and some horror stories coming out in recent months have left the OPT worker in a dilemma.

According to him, he is torn between two options. One is to visit his mother before he completes his graduation in 15 days, which might look suspicious; or visit her after graduation, during his OPT period, which can be even riskier.

While his entry back into the US might be uncertain, netizens are stunned that he is even considering his career over his mom’s health. One user wrote, “I can’t even believe you are considering a job over your own family. Go see your mom. Jobs will come and go throughout life.”

It might sound too extreme for some, but it is a brutal reality many families, especially Indians, are dealing with today.

Working hard towards the American dream, thousands of Indians every year spent their life’s earnings to settle in the US. And yet, thanks to tightening visa scrutiny and chaotic airport checks, innocent students now live in constant fear.