This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Wen-Hsing Huang, a 25-year-old software development engineer at Amazon, originally from Taiwan and currently based in Seattle. Business Insider has verified Huang's employment history with documentation. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
From a young age, I always envisioned myself studying and working in the United States. At 18, I aspired to earn a staggering $200,000 annually in the Big Tech industry upon graduation. However, as time passed, I began to question whether I truly wanted my career to be dictated by the constraints of a visa. I recognized how little control I had over external factors such as the economy, layoffs, and visa policies. The only aspect I could manage was my response to these challenges. This realization has led me to remain calm in the face of the latest H-1B visa updates.
My experiences have cultivated resilience within me, allowing me to develop a mature mindset capable of overcoming obstacles. I believe the new American dream is not solely about residing in the U.S.; it's about leveraging the skills, network, and savings accumulated here to build a life that is not contingent on visas, layoffs, or political climates. For me, this means returning to Taiwan, creating something of my own, and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.
My journey to the U.S. began with plans to enter on an F-1 visa, pursue my studies, and participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work for up to three years after graduating, especially if they're in STEM fields. This path is common for international students seeking employment in the U.S. My goal was to work for a company willing to sponsor my green card, work full-time for five years, advance to a senior software engineer position, and eventually achieve my entrepreneurial dreams, providing me with a safety net that would alleviate my visa concerns.
I worked diligently at National Central University in Taiwan, graduating at the top of my class. Although I struggled with my English initially, my hard work earned me a spot in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign master's program in computer science. Upon arriving in the U.S. in 2022, I faced the harsh reality of mass tech layoffs at major companies like Meta and Twitter. Securing a summer internship, a crucial step toward a full-time position, proved to be incredibly challenging. I had borrowed $100,000 from my parents for my education, and the thought of failing to secure a job haunted me.
Determined to succeed, I dedicated myself to the job search. I practiced my elevator pitch, attended every career fair, polished my coding skills, and applied for numerous opportunities. Although my mental health suffered during this arduous time, I gained valuable life experience that taught me what I could and couldn't control in life.
After graduating, I secured a job at ASM, a semiconductor company in Arizona. Six months later, in September 2024, I made the leap to Amazon, where I have been thriving ever since. Initially, I was fixated on staying in the U.S. and obtaining a green card, fearing the possibility of having to leave. However, everything changed in April 2025 when I was confronted with alarming news about the deportation of F-1 students. After not being selected for the H-1B lottery for the second time, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me.
Despite the anxiety surrounding my visa status, I took a planned trip to Japan that month. It was during this journey that I realized my desire to stay in the U.S. had shifted. Although I have one more chance to apply for the H-1B visa before my OPT expires, I have accepted the possibility of returning home. I came to understand that many people live under the illusion of stability; however, the reality is that the world is inherently unstable, and layoffs can occur without warning. I also recognize that advancements in AI may threaten many jobs, including positions in software development. These realizations have inspired me to take urgent action and seize control of my life.
For three years, every major decision I made was influenced by the question: Will this impact my visa status? Instead of asking myself what I truly wanted to do, I was constrained by the fear of visa ramifications. Now, my approach has shifted. I plan to continue my work at Amazon for a while longer, save money, and ultimately return to Taiwan to launch my own business. In today’s world, the internet has diminished the significance of borders; I can establish a company in the U.S., serve a global audience, and earn a U.S.-level income while enjoying Taiwan's lower cost of living and superior healthcare.
Despite the difficulties I encountered, I remain grateful for my time in America. I earned my degree, gained invaluable experience in Big Tech, broadened my worldview, and learned the most essential life lessons: resilience in the face of uncertainty and understanding my core values. I came to this country with deep admiration for its ability to attract adventurers seeking freedom and opportunity, where talent and perseverance are valued above all else. While I believe the American spirit still thrives, leaving the U.S. allows me to make decisions based on my aspirations rather than my visa restrictions. For me, departing from the U.S. is not a failure; it is, in fact, a path to freedom.
