Entrepreneur and Shark Tank India investor Anupam Mittal has shared the emotional and professional challenges of giving up his US green card and returning to India. His LinkedIn post has drawn attention to the risks and rewards of leaving a secure career abroad to pursue entrepreneurship at home.
A Difficult Decision
Mittal described the process as “hard and emotional.” He revealed that he visited the US embassy twice to surrender his green card. On both occasions, embassy officers advised him against it. “Nobody your age does this… you should reconsider,” he recalled.
He added that it took five years and legal pressure before he finally surrendered the card. Mittal also highlighted the financial implications, noting that giving up a US green card triggers an exit tax of approximately 30% on global wealth, not just income. “Thankfully, at the time, I had no wealth to give. But cutting that string is what helped create it,” he said.
Choosing Uncertainty Over Security
Reflecting on his career, Mittal admitted that staying in the US could have led to a safe but limited path. “Had I kept my safety net, I’d most likely be a VP of Product in the Valley. Respectable but replaceable,” he said.
Returning to India, he embraced uncertainty. “By coming back – and burning my Plan B — I got chaos, hunger & the freedom to build. My companies, 300+ startups, Shark Tank India, and of course, myself,” he wrote. He encouraged professionals to consider returning to India despite challenges. “India is as messy as ever, but that’s where growth lies,” he added.
Mittal’s experience reflects a growing trend of reverse migration among Indian professionals. Many are returning home to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the local ecosystem. His story highlights the personal sacrifices and risks involved, while also showing how bold choices can shape long-term growth and success.
Muskaan Kapoor
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