Why a former visa holder gave up on the American Dream

Vivienne Yang moved from Taiwan to New York City in 2018 and earned a master's degree in applied analytics from Columbia University. After being laid off from her ad-tech job in 2024, she had to leave behind the life she built in New York.

In September 2025, President Trump set in motion a change that would throw the H-1B visa application process into disarray. His proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions changed the immigration landscape for employers, employees, and visa hopefuls alike.

Since last September, Business Insider has been interviewing people who have borne the brunt of the chaos, including those who have applied for visas and are debating whether to stay in the US. Others have opted to tap out of the system altogether.