[heuristix]

pg also says do a startup full time. There is a reason for that: startups are iterative and you should develop something in close contact with customers. Trying to do it while working on a full time job makes it very very hard.

Secondly, the legal issues both on the immigration side and in terms of working on something while working for another tech company make it a very very very fine line that you have to walk. Conservative lawyers will tell you there is no line, you are breaking the law if you work on something other than your day job period.

Finding a co-founder is like finding a marriage partner (seriously). It is not impossible to find an American partner but limiting your possibilities only makes it a little harder. Plus, you better hope you are a great judge of people because if your American partner walks out, your startup is doomed.

Finally, yes skill based immigration (as Canada does it) is the answer IMHO. But even if they let people who are already in the US on H1B and who are skilled start their startups through a formal visa process, I will be happy.