Surrendering a Green Card: Anupam Mittal’s Life-Changing Decision

In a recent revelation, Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and judge on Shark Tank India, shared his emotional decision to surrender his US green card, describing it as a pivotal moment in his life.

The Challenges of Returning to India

Mittal expressed the difficulties associated with relocating back to India, highlighting that the most challenging part was relinquishing his US residency. In a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, he elaborated on his experiences at the embassy.

Struggles at the Embassy

During his visit to the embassy, Mittal recounted how he felt shaken after being told by officials, “Nobody your age does this… you should reconsider.” This was not just a one-time occurrence; he visited the embassy twice before finally letting go of his green card after five years and an ultimatum from his lawyers.

Financial Implications of Surrendering a Green Card

Mittal also addressed the financial repercussions of surrendering a green card. He pointed out that alongside giving up his visa, the “Uncle Sam” imposed an exit tax of approximately 30% on his global wealth, rather than just on income. With a tinge of humour, he remarked that he was fortunate not to have any wealth to declare at the time.

The Freedom to Build

Contemplating his choice, Mittal noted that retaining his residency in the US might have led to a stable yet unremarkable career in the technology sector. He stated, “Had I kept my safety net, I’d most likely be a VP of Product in the Valley. Respectable but replaceable.” In contrast, returning to India resulted in a landscape filled with “chaos, hunger & the freedom to build.” Since his return, Mittal has expanded Shaadi.com, invested in over 300 startups, and emerged as a prominent figure on Shark Tank India.

Encouragement for Others

Encouraging others to embrace their own journeys, Mittal advised, “So if you can, come back home & build. India is as messy as ever, but that’s where growth lies.”

Community Reactions

Mittal’s narrative resonated with many users on LinkedIn, prompting supportive comments about his choice to return to India. One user humorously remarked that surrendering the green card made sense because “Shaadi.com won’t work in America (sic).” Another user quipped that Mittal seemed to have found his ideal match in India. A third user stated they would remember the phrase “Respectable but replaceable” every day, while another mentioned a shared understanding of the struggle in letting go but also recognised the freedom that comes with such a decision.