A viral video's advice: Think twice before moving to the US
An Indian couple living in the United States has advised young Indians to think carefully before moving abroad, arguing that many opportunities they once sought overseas are now available in India. The couple, Suhas and Priyanka, shared their views in a street-style interview with Darshana, known on Instagram as @darshanaconnects, and the video has since sparked discussion online.
In the interview, when asked what advice he would give young people wanting to move to the US, Suhas replied simply: "Don't come." He then questioned "What's wrong with our country?" and explained that when he and his wife moved abroad, circumstances were different. "We came here because, at that time, India was very tough for us to crack into," he said. "It was very difficult to land a good job, very difficult to have a good quality of life. The US was a very easy bet. You come here, you get your master's, you get your job, and you are set."
However, Suhas claimed that the situation has changed. "It's the same now in India. You can do everything that you do here, you can do it in India," he said. His wife, Priyanka, added that India is attracting significant investment, with many investors moving to the country.
The personal cost of living abroad
Suhas also spoke about what he described as the personal cost of moving abroad, mentioning the "huge cost of leaving your family, leaving your friends, coming to a foreign land, making new friends." He said, "I still don't feel like I'm accepted here." He added that he would rather live in India, saying, "If I could, I would."
The couple also compared the approach of Chinese immigrants, with Suhas praising them for "extracting knowledge" and returning to China to "produce value." Priyanka added that even Chinese students with seven-year PhDs return to China, and said "Indians are not very good at that."
When asked whether he would return to India, Suhas said "if" he "could," he "would."
Mixed reactions online
The video, shared on Instagram, had garnered over 3,000 views at the time of reporting. The post read: "If you're thinking of moving to the US, watch this perspective." Reactions on social media were mixed. Some users called the couple "extremely hypocritical," while others advised them to "come back to India." One user commented "Agree 100%," while another offered a contrasting view: "Guys, if you ever get the opportunity to come to the USA or any other country, take it. It's an experience you won't regret."
The couple's response
Suhas responded to comments in a written post, explaining that returning to India would involve another high personal and financial cost. He wrote: "I already paid the cost of moving and built a life here. Moving back now would mean paying another huge cost. That does not mean I would make the original decision again." He added: "India being difficult does not automatically make America worth it."
He also cited immigration uncertainty as a major factor behind his view, writing: "Immigration is the biggest reason. For Indians, it is not a simple path from a good job to a green card." He urged prospective immigrants to consider broader costs, saying: "So don't count only the salary. Count the visa anxiety, employer dependence, your spouse's stalled career, uncertainty for your children, distance from your parents, and the years spent waiting for stability."
In a final remark, Suhas wrote: "The real question is: If I were in India today, would I move to America? My answer is no." He concluded: "Knowing the full cost, I would not make the move today."
Some commenters also engaged with the idea of a "Sunk Cost Trap," while another described living in a foreign country as "second grade always."
Sourcing and verification
This story is based on reporting by Hindustan Times and Times Now. Hindustan Times provided detailed quotes from the video and the couple's written responses, while Times Now reported on the video's viral nature and the reactions it drew. Notably, Times Now noted that it could not confirm the details and authenticity of the post.