Indian Immigrants | American Dreams

Living the American dream: A challenging journey for Indian immigrants

The article first appeared in The Economic Times on Nov 5, 2024.

For many Indian immigrants, the pursuit of the American Dream often feels like a distant, elusive goal. The reality of navigating the U.S. immigration system is far more complex and challenging than it may seem from the outside. For many, obtaining permanent residency and citizenship becomes a long, uncertain, and emotionally draining process. A prime example of this struggle is the H-1B visa, a popular route for skilled Indian workers. Despite its appeal, the H-1B program is fraught with obstacles, particularly the annual cap on visas, which leaves many qualified applicants excluded due to the lottery system.

Ajeet, an immigrant from India, quickly realized that the H-1B route wasn’t a viable option for him. He calls the U.S. immigration system “broken” and points out that the seven percent quota allocated to countries like India, which has a population of over a billion, is grossly unfair. Disillusioned with the lottery system, Ajeet decided to take a different route—he started his own business and sponsored his own visa. He now runs a fast-casual Indian restaurant serving healthy, quick Indian food.

Meeta Damani’s story highlights the struggles faced by dependents on H-4 visas, who were previously barred from working in the U.S. For several years, Meeta, who came to the U.S. 20 years ago, could not work due to her dependent status, which led her into depression. She became passionate about raising awareness of this issue and even made a documentary on it. While some changes have been made, Meeta believes a permanent solution is needed to address the challenges faced by H-4 dependents.

Spouses and children of H-1B holders also face significant difficulties. While they often remain on dependent visas, many are not permitted to work, causing financial stress and emotional strain. In some cases, children may “age out” of the visa system at 21, leading to the risk of being forced to leave the U.S. Rahael, an immigrant who has been in the U.S. for 14 years, faces this challenge as her 17-year-old daughter is on the verge of aging out of her dependent status.

For Indian immigrants, the wait for a green card is particularly long, due to per-country limits, with some waiting decades for a chance at permanent residency. The resulting uncertainty creates a sense of frustration and lost opportunity. Immigration lawyer Sonal Sharma frequently witnesses the emotional toll these delays take on her clients, including one who lost her husband and was left without a home.

Despite these obstacles, many immigrants remain hopeful. Priya, a marketing professional and social media influencer, along with her husband, has become an advocate for others navigating the immigration system. They encourage their followers to remain resilient but acknowledge that the process should not be so difficult.

In the end, while the American Dream remains within reach for many, the road to it is filled with hurdles. The hope is that the U.S. immigration system will be reformed to provide more clarity and fairness for immigrants.

Read more: The Economic Times

Find More Global Indian Top Reads

Share with