'Self-respect': Zoho's Sridhar Vembu again appeals to Indians in US to come home after new Green Card rule by Trump administration

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently made a special announcement for issuing of Green Cards for professionals working in the United States. Reacting to the policy shift, Zoho founder and IIT-ian Sridhar Vembu made an emotional appeal urging Indians abroad to reconsider their long-term future and return home to contribute to India’s growth story.

The discussion began after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a statement outlining its updated stance on immigration procedures. According to the tweet, “An alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply.”

The agency further added that the move was intended to ensure the immigration system functions as originally designed, stating that it would no longer encourage what it called loopholes or misuse of the system. “The era of abusing our nation’s immigration system is over,” the post declared, signalling a stricter approach toward Green Card processing and related immigration pathways.


The statement quickly gained attention across social media, especially among immigrant communities, including a large number of Indian professionals working in tech, research, and corporate roles in the US.

Zoho's Sridhar Vembu's reaction

Soon after the announcement, Sridhar Vembu responded on X, expressing his long-standing view on Indians working abroad and the importance of returning to India. He wrote, “Once again, my appeal to Indians in America on a visa. Please come home.”


In his message, Vembu emphasised that returning to India should not be viewed only through the lens of financial sacrifice or professional inconvenience. He added that even if the decision feels difficult, “self-respect should dictate your course,” encouraging professionals to think beyond comfort and long-term overseas settlement. Vembu also framed his message around national contribution, stating, “Let’s make Bharat proud,” highlighting his belief in building opportunities within India rather than abroad.

Green Card rules

As reported by IANS, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued a new policy memo stating that adjustment of status, which allows eligible immigrants to apply for Green Cards while staying in the United States, will now be treated as a discretionary process rather than a guaranteed pathway. The agency said officers will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis and treat them as an extraordinary form of relief. It added that applicants must generally return to their home countries to apply, except in rare circumstances, to ensure proper use of the immigration system.