This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Wen-Hsing Huang
Wen-Hsing Huang, a 25-year-old software development engineer at Amazon hailing from Taiwan and currently residing in Seattle, articulated his journey towards navigating the intricacies of working in the United States.
Business Insider has substantiated Huang’s employment status through appropriate documentation. The following narrative has undergone revisions for conciseness and clarity.
A Vision of Success in the U.S.
From a young age, I aspired to study and establish a career in the United States. At 18, I envisioned myself earning $200,000 annually in a top-tier technology firm upon graduating.
With the passage of time, however, I began to scrutinize the extent to which a visa could regulate my professional trajectory. The realization struck me: I possessed minimal control over external variables such as economic fluctuations, layoffs, and visa regulations. The one element within my grasp was my response to these challenges.
This insight has mitigated my anxiety regarding recent updates to the H-1B visa program. My experiences have instilled resilience in me, enriching my perspective to effectively navigate adversities.
The contemporary American dream transcends mere residency in the U.S.; it encompasses leveraging the skills, networks, and resources amassed here to forge a life unencumbered by visa dilemmas, layoffs, or political strife. For me, this aspiration culminates in a return to my homeland to establish my venture, where I can relish the autonomy that accompanies it.
Navigating the U.S. During Turbulent Times
Initially, my intent was to arrive in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, subsequently availing myself of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program permits international students to work for a year post-graduation — extending to three years for those in STEM fields. This pathway is common for many international students seeking to gain a foothold in the U.S. job market.
I aspired to join a company willing to petition for a green card on my behalf, work full-time for five years to ascend to a senior software engineering position, and ultimately pursue my entrepreneurial dreams, benefiting from a secure safety net unhindered by visa concerns. My vision included working for another 10-20 years, achieving financial independence, and retiring at 40.
My academic journey at National Central University in Taiwan was rigorous, culminating in graduating at the top of my class. Despite initial language barriers, I persevered and secured a position in the prestigious master’s program in computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Commitment to Career Advancement
I entered the United States on an F-1 visa in 2022, coinciding with considerable layoffs sweeping through major tech firms such as Meta and Twitter. Securing a summer internship became a formidable challenge, typically a stepping stone to full-time employment — yet, I found myself without any offers.
Having borrowed $100,000 from my parents, who were not affluent, the stakes were significant. If I failed to secure a job post-graduation, I faced the prospect of repaying that debt within 60 days while also needing to leave the country.
This urgency propelled me to dedicate my full effort to job hunting, repeatedly refining my elevator pitch, attending every career fair available, honing my coding expertise, and meticulously crafting my résumé.
The strain took a toll on my mental health; however, it also imparted invaluable life lessons, teaching me about the limits of my control.
Upon graduating, I secured a position at ASM, a semiconductor company in Arizona. Six months later, in September 2024, I transitioned to Amazon, where I continue to work.
Shifting Perspectives on American Residency
Initially, my fixation on remaining in the U.S. dominated my thoughts. The pursuit of a green card consumed me, and I was plagued by fears regarding my immigration status. A pivotal moment arose in April 2025 when disturbing news about the deportation of F-1 students became prevalent. After being unsuccessful in the H-1B lottery for the second time, feelings of uncertainty loomed large.
Despite the alarm, I proceeded with plans for a trip to Japan, recognizing a newfound indifference towards whether I remained in the U.S.
Next year, I will have another opportunity to apply for the H-1B visa before my OPT expires; however, I have come to terms with the possibility of departure.
Many harbor a misguided sense of stability, yet the reality is that uncertainty permeates our world, and the economy is no exception. Layoffs can transpire unexpectedly, and I believe advancements in AI will disrupt numerous jobs, including those in the software sector.
These realizations urged me to take charge and earnestly shape my future. I refuse to squander my twenties in pursuit of an uncertain and illusory American dream.
A New Vision of the American Dream
For the past three years, each significant decision filtered through the lens of “Will this jeopardize my visa status?” rather than aligning with my personal aspirations. Testing entrepreneurial ideas, taking risks, or traveling freely became burdensome due to concerns about re-entry.
Now, my strategy has evolved. I intend to remain at Amazon a while longer, accumulate savings, and return to Taiwan to launch my own business. In an interconnected world, geographical boundaries are becoming increasingly insignificant.
I can establish a company in the U.S., cater to a global clientele, and enjoy U.S.-level income, all while benefiting from Taiwan’s lower cost of living and superior healthcare.
Despite the arduous journey, I cherish the experiences I have gained in America. My degree, exposure to Big Tech, and profound life lessons — particularly resilience and clarity in my values — have shaped my character.
My admiration for a nation renowned for attracting adventurous spirits seeking freedom and opportunity remains profound; in this country, talent and perseverance overshadow one’s origins. I believe the essence of America persists.
Yet, departing signifies reclaiming the ability to make choices driven by my ambitions rather than visa constraints. I offer no advice to others; each individual possesses distinct priorities. For me, leaving the U.S. symbolizes not failure, but the achievement of freedom.
Source link: Businessinsider.com.
