Here’s what happened when gaming entrepreneur Arad Malhotra challenged US immigration

After a grueling few months of non-stop work, immigration research and legal dilemmas, I am pleased to report that I have been able to survive a wave of entrepreneurial challenges as a foreign national in the U.S. and have finally reached the shore.
A few months ago, I wrote an article sharing my opinion on the flawed U.S. immigration system (before the Donald Trump hysteria), and I want to give the readers an update on my situation.
As of Sept. 14, I was able to secure an O-1A visa, given to individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics, in recognition of my work at Skyless Game Studios. As a result, I can finally focus back on growing the business and creating social impact.

Although I am grateful to the USCIS to recognize the merit of my work and contribution, it is definitely with a grain of salt.

As elated, relieved and humbled as I am personally, this does not change my opinion on how the United States is turning a potential hotbed of entrepreneurship and quality job creation into a hostile environment. It is turning into an ecosystem that is forcing its young, talented and brilliant entrepreneurs and work professionals to leave for other countries just because of overly politicizing immigration issues of national importance.
Although I am grateful to the USCIS to recognize the merit of my work and contribution, it is definitely with a grain of salt. Within the same period I have seen some of my dedicated, hardworking classmates and friends, who used to work for top U.S. companies, laid off to the detriment of their career progression, all because of the H1-B visa mess.
Can you imagine having a secure, financially lucrative job for a multinational firm for a couple of years, impressing all your managers and growing through the ranks, just to be laid off because you didn’t get through a random lottery that determines your ability to stay in the country?
Unfortunately, this is the current state of affairs here in the U.S., while countries like Ireland, Chile, Brazil and even our neighbors, Canada, are taking advantage by openly welcoming this talent to advance their economies.
What I’m discussing here is nothing new, but I think it’s only fair to update all my well wishers, the amazing entrepreneurs who reached out to me after my last article on Technical.ly and my dedicated lawyer, Paul Devendorf (I usually don’t give free advertising to anybody, but this guy is amazing).
While I get back to the grind, working hard on my dream and looking forward to facing new personal challenges, I have added one major goal to my bucket list — becoming as much of a resource and evangelist as possible for foreign entrepreneurs and professionals suffering from the unfortunate state of immigration affairs.
If you are in a tough situation and reading this, please feel free to reach out to me at arad@skylessgames.com.