'H1B lottery is 1/3 ratio': Indian-origin CEO urges parents not to send children to US after 30-year-old’s death

Indian-origin entrepreneur Vijay Thirumalai has sparked a fierce buzz online after reacting to the death of 30-year-old Indian national Sasikanth Reddy Donthireddy in the United States.

Taking to X, Thirumalai paid tribute to Reddy, who reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on February 16, 2026. In a post that quickly gained traction, he outlined Reddy’s journey: arriving in the US in 2018 on an F-1 student visa, completing a double master’s degree to remain on a "valid visa," applying repeatedly for an H-1B visa, and staying away from his family for nearly eight years.

Using the tragedy to highlight what he sees as systemic immigration hurdles, Thirumalai issued a blunt appeal to Indian parents. "Parents, pls, don't send your kids to US if you are not able to buy them a GC thru EB5, not worth the hassle," he wrote.

He criticised temporary visa pathways, describing the F-1 route as "far too restrictive" and calling the H1B lottery a "1/3 ratio." Even for those who eventually secure an H1B-EB2/EB3 track, he argued, a green card remains a "100 years away."

If a family can not afford an EB5 investment visa, then he advised on avoiding the financial strain. "DO NOT mortgage ur house, savings, take loans to sponsor undergrad or post grad," he wrote, calling it "not worth it." Instead, the entrepreneur suggested starting a business in India with the money which he claimed would keep the child and family "far more happier" in the long run.



An EB-5 visa offers permanent residency to qualified investors who commit $800,000 to projects in designated Targeted Employment Areas. In contrast, the F-1 visa, which Reddy held, is a non-immigrant student visa permitting full-time study in certified US institutions, with limited employment opportunities such as Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Thirumalai, is the founder & CEO of Goldwater Global, a platform that claims to help Indians expand their life and businesses abroad. His post highlights the tragic life events of numerous Indian nationals who overwork to be able to meet their visa guidelines and neglect their mental and social health for the same.

A fundraiser launched to repatriate Reddy’s body to India shed further light on his struggles. "The repeated disappointments and visa uncertainty caused him a lot of stress, especially in the last several months," the appeal noted.

It added that he continued working long hours "without giving up" and entered the H1B lottery "multiple times" without success. Reddy reportedly complained of chest pain in the early hours of February 16. "He was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved," the appeal said.

With community support, the fundraiser surpassed its $50,307 target, easing the financial burden on his parents and potentially helping them to bring his body home for final rites.