When I arrived in US at tender age of 20 as a graduate student, I had every intention to work on my masters in engineering, try to find a job in my field of study for 18 months (max allowed in those days to foreign students) and then return back to India where my skills would be welcome.
I earned the degree, was lucky to find a job in my field in Chicago, and really enjoyed working with my colleagues. Before my 18 months were up, the company sponsored me for a green card, which was approved by immigration and was put on a waiting list. And I am still here after 54 years!
That’s a great success story!