Vijay Thirumalai, an entrepreneur of Indian descent, has generated significant online discussion following the unfortunate passing of Sasikanth Reddy Donthireddy, a 30-year-old Indian national residing in the United States. Thirumalai expressed his condolences on a social media platform, revealing that Reddy suffered a cardiac arrest on February 16, 2026. In his post, which quickly went viral, Thirumalai recounted Reddy’s journey, beginning with his arrival to the U.S. in 2018 on an F-1 student visa, his completion of a double master’s degree, and his repeated attempts to secure an H-1B visa while being separated from his family for almost eight years.

Immigration Pathways Criticized

Utilizing this tragic context, Thirumalai made an urgent appeal to Indian parents, cautioning them against sending their children to the U.S. unless they can afford the substantial investment required for an EB-5 visa. In his post, he advised, “Parents, please, don’t send your kids to the U.S. if you are not able to buy them a GC through EB-5; it’s not worth the hassle.” He conveyed his discontent with the current visa system, labeling temporary visa routes, particularly the F-1, as excessively restrictive. He further characterized the H-1B lottery process as having a “1/3 ratio,” indicating low odds for success.

Long Road to Permanent Residency

Thirumalai argued that even those who eventually secure an H-1B visa through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories may find that obtaining a green card could take an impractically long time, which he described as “100 years away.” He emphasized that families who cannot afford the EB-5 investment should avoid incurring debt or sacrificing their financial stability, stating, “DO NOT mortgage your house, savings, or take loans to sponsor undergraduate or postgraduate studies.” Instead, he recommended that families consider starting a business in India, as it could lead to greater happiness and stability in the long term.

Understanding Visa Types and Their Implications

The EB-5 visa allows eligible investors to obtain permanent residency by investing $800,000 in particular projects located in designated Targeted Employment Areas. In contrast, the F-1 visa, which Reddy held, permits international students to study full-time in accredited U.S. institutions but has limited employment opportunities, primarily through a program known as Optional Practical Training (OPT). Thirumalai, who serves as CEO and founder of Goldwater Global, a platform aimed at assisting Indians in expanding their business and life abroad, shed light on the extensive pressures faced by many Indian nationals striving to meet visa requirements.

Fundraiser Highlights Community Support

A fundraiser established to repatriate Reddy’s remains to India further illustrated the challenges he faced. It noted that the consistent disappointments and uncertainties regarding his visa led to substantial stress, particularly during the final months of his life. He was described as working long hours without giving up while attempting the H-1B lottery multiple times. According to the appeal, Reddy began to experience chest pains in the early hours of February 16 and was taken to the hospital but could not be saved. Community fundraising efforts surpassed the target of $50,307, offering relief to his parents and aiding them in bringing their son’s body home for his final rites.

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