For many people around the world, moving to America is seen as a dream filled with opportunity, success, and a better life. Social media often paints a picture of a smooth journey—good jobs, high salaries, and a comfortable lifestyle. But the truth behind the scenes can be very different.
Recent stories and official changes reveal the growing struggles faced by international students and immigrants, especially those trying to build a future in the United States. From joblessness and racism to stricter green card rules and long delays, the challenges are piling up.
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A recent Reddit post by an Indian lawyer studying in the United States has caught a lot of attention online. The post, titled “What the US job market right now – trust me it’s worse than it looks,” gives a raw and honest look into the daily struggles international students face in America.
The lawyer came to the United States with high hopes. He had already completed his undergraduate law degree in India and then earned a Master of Law (LLM) from one of the top five universities in the United States. He even had a scholarship to help cover his costs. But despite these strong academic credentials, he found that real life there was very different from what he had imagined.
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He talks about applying to more than 200–300 internships with no success. He shares that even people with over 10 years of work experience are struggling to find jobs.
According to the post, racism is something that international students often face. He mentions seeing negative stereotypes about Indians in videos online and even hearing people call them “uncultured.” This adds to the stress of trying to adjust to a new country.
The cost of living is another big problem in America. He said that basic items like groceries and rent have become much more expensive in just one year. He also points out that although people earn in American dollars, they also have to spend in dollars, and this cancels out any benefits. “You don’t live, you survive,” he wrote.
Health care in the United States is another issue. Getting even a basic test like an X-ray can take a long time and cost a lot of money. He also shared how hard it is to get a green card, with a waiting time of up to 70 years for some people. Legal help is often needed, which adds more to the cost.
Even things like food and grocery delivery, which are common and easy in India, are considered luxuries in America, the Redditor said. He ended his post by advising others to wait before coming to the United States, especially if their main goal is to get a job and settle down. Many users agreed with the post, saying they also faced similar problems in both the United States and Canada.
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Stricter Immigration Rules Make Green Cards Harder to Get
At the same time, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made several major changes to the process of getting a green card through marriage. These changes are affecting many people and making it harder for them to stay in the United States legally.
First, USCIS has updated important forms like Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). If applicants use older versions of these forms, their applications may be delayed or even rejected. In addition, the filing fees for these forms have gone up, making the process more expensive.
Second, the processing times for marriage-based green cards are now much longer. People are waiting months just for their biometrics appointments, interviews, and final approvals. USCIS says these delays are due to increased security checks and more detailed reviews.
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The third big change is more serious checks on whether the marriage is real. USCIS is now asking for more proof like joint bank accounts, shared living arrangements, and family photos. They are even doing surprise home visits or talking to family members. Requests for more evidence (called RFEs) are now more common than before.
Work and Travel Permits Also Face Big Delays
Along with green card applications, there are also long delays in getting Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), which are needed for working and traveling while waiting for the green card.
People are now waiting between 8 to 14 months just to get their work or travel permits. Without these documents, they cannot legally work or leave the country. This makes life even more stressful, especially for families who depend on these permits to survive.
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Some people are trying consular processing—an alternative way to get a green card by attending an interview at a U.S. consulate outside the country. But this option also comes with its own rules, difficulties, and risks.
USCIS has advised people to always use the latest forms and be ready with strong, clear documents to show their marriage is real. They also suggest planning ahead because of long delays and possibly getting help from an immigration lawyer to avoid mistakes.
These recent changes show just how complex and challenging it has become to move to or stay in America—even for highly qualified and legally married individuals.
