Aravind Srinivas, CEO of the $9 billion AI-powered search engine Perplexity AI, has become the face of frustration for many professionals grappling with the tedious U.S. immigration process. This was underscored recently when he shared his immigration woes on social media, coupled with support from Elon Musk, creating waves across the tech community.
The situation came to light after San Francisco-based tech professional Shivam Bhatia posted a selfie with Srinivas on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Was stressing over my visa this morning, then remembered this guy still doesn’t have a Green Card lol.” This humorous take quickly gained traction, highlighting the struggles faced even by those leading innovative companies.
Srinivas, who founded Perplexity AI just two years ago, is currently caught up in the complexity of the immigration system, having wait over three years for his Green Card. Despite building his company, which has attracted investments from tech giants like Jeff Bezos, he finds himself entangled in the same bureaucratic challenges faced by countless others seeking to make their mark in the U.S.
“I think I should get a Green Card. Wdyt?” Srinivas cheekily tweeted directly at Elon Musk, whose response—a simple, emphatic “Yes”—went viral, stoking conversations on the discriminatory nature of U.S. immigration policies.
Elon Musk later expanded on the topic, expressing serious concerns over the flaws of the immigration system. He stated, “We have an upside-down system...” questioning how it could be easier for criminals to enter the country illegally than for talented individuals like Srinivas, noting, “Why is it easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate?” His comments reflect widespread frustration among tech professionals who have watched their peers navigate the murky waters of visa regulations.
After his post garnered attention, Srinivas expressed the growing discontent among tech professionals with the immigration framework. Popular sentiments echoed through various social media responses: “If a $9 billion valuation can’t sort your visa issues, what chance do the rest of us have?” echoing a desperation and disbelief at the system’s inefficiency.
Another user remarked, “Perplexity AI can unravel the mysteries of the universe, but the U.S. immigration system? Still a black box, even for its CEO.” This highlights the irony of having cutting-edge innovations stemming from individuals still struggling to achieve basic residency rights.
Education plays a significant role in Srinivas' professional background, having obtained his B. Tech and M.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, followed by a PhD from the University of California. He worked as a research intern at DeepMind and Google before stepping foot at OpenAI as a Research Scientist. It is puzzling how someone with such credentials remains at the mercy of the U.S. immigration system.
While some laughed at the absurdity of the situation, the underlying issue is starkly serious: America’s immigration policies are outdated and not conducive to retaining top-tier talent. The Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, is intended to allow individuals like Srinivas to live and work permanently within the U.S., yet the prolonged timeline paints another picture entirely.
Many on the platform reflected on their own experiences. One comment memorably quipped, “The CEO of Perplexity doesn’t need any Card. He can get anytime he wants.” It encapsulates the societal expectation where those with significant impact still face the same challenges encountered by ordinary applicants.
Another user humorously contrasted the ease of acquiring multiple types of ID back in India, showcasing the frustrations surrounding U.S. bureaucracy. “Disappointed. I thought America was a super advanced country. Here in India, you can get VISA, MasterCard, and Rupay, all along with hundreds of cards easily,” they noted.
Srinivas’s experience resonates strongly today as tech leaders push for reform to streamline immigration for exceptional talent, preventing them from slipping through the cracks. This situation not only stifles innovation financial investment within the U.S. but tarnishes its reputation as the land of opportunity.
The incident spotlights the urgent need for the U.S. to reassess and expedite its immigration process, or risk aliening some of the brightest minds whose work contributes to the advancement of technology and innovation. For now, Srinivas continues to wait, his selfie serving as both entertainment and commentary on a system long overdue for modernization.