A viral video posted by Texas-based journalist Sara Gonzales has triggered a wider debate about the realities of life on an H-1B visa in the US. At the center of the controversy is a confrontation with Naveen Tummala, whom Gonzales accused of illegally operating a food truck business while employed under an H-1B visa.
“I confronted an H-1B tech worker illegally running a food truck business,” Gonzales wrote, sharing the clip. The video shows her questioning Tummala at the Golconda Xpress Indian Food Truck, claiming that although his visa is sponsored by Flexera Global Inc., he is also operating the business, which is not allowed.
Tummala denies the allegation, stating that the business belongs to his wife and that he is not working there. "I am off my duty. I cannot help my wife, or what? Do you think I am getting paid for it? I know my rules. I know my rights,” he says in the video. When asked why his wife was not present, he replied, “Do you think the business owners are always at the businesses they own?" The exchange ends with Gonzales saying she would report him to the authorities.
The controversy has drawn attention to the strict rules governing H-1B visa holders. The visa allows foreign professionals to work in specialized roles, but only for the employer that sponsors them. According to immigration attorney Kevin J Andrews, who explained to Financial Express, the principle is clear: “The core principle for H-1B holders is straightforward: money can work for money, but the worker cannot.”
This means passive income, such as investments, is allowed, but any active involvement in a business can be considered unauthorized employment. "USCIS considers any activity associated with productive work to be unauthorized employment, even if the H-1B holder is not being paid for it."
Online, the debate has expanded beyond legality into questions about income and lifestyle. Some argue that H-1B professionals, especially in tech, are generally well-paid and should not need side hustles. Others say high living costs, family responsibilities, and long-term financial goals push many to look for additional income streams.
The discussion also reflects a divide in public opinion. One side sees strict enforcement as necessary to protect jobs and maintain immigration integrity. The other views the rules as overly rigid, especially when it comes to helping family members or exploring entrepreneurship.
One Reddit user said, "If citizens were paid less, they wouldn't hire any H1B visa holders." Whereas one user has shared the data that shows H-1B visa holders are often paid 10-25 per cent less than their US-born peers in similar roles. Reports from Level.fyi and USCIS show median salaries for H-1B software engineers lag behind US-born workers, especially in stock-heavy roles.
Surveys indicate pay parity drops for senior positions, and employers often recoup visa sponsorship costs, limiting negotiation power.
Big tech companies like Microsoft and Google sometimes match salaries, especially with green card paths. Despite lower pay, H-1B visas offer faster entry into the US and access to training opportunities. Awareness of pay standards and careful negotiation can help bridge the gap.
from cscareerquestions
Experts maintain that the issue is not about the salary alone but compliance. "If the H-1B holder is personally performing the labor that generates the income, that is work." Attorneys also stress that even unpaid involvement or indirect benefits can lead to violations.
As the debate continues, the Gonzales video has become a flashpoint, highlighting not just immigration law but also broader questions about fairness, opportunity, and the realities of life on an H-1B visa.
