Indian immigrants and the American dream: Challenges in the pursuit of stability

The pursuit of the American Dream remains, yet the path to achieve it is often more challenging than many anticipate. Indian immigrants hope for a reformed system that provides clearer, more accessible pathways to their goals

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

For many Indian immigrants, the path to achieving the American Dream is filled with unexpected hurdles, often overshadowing the idealized promise of opportunity and stability. The journey through the U.S. immigration system—characterized by prolonged wait times and uncertain outcomes—can strain personal and professional lives alike, reported PTI.

The H-1B visa, a key entry route for skilled Indian workers, embodies this challenge. Despite its popularity, the visa is subject to an annual cap, leaving many qualified applicants dependent on a lottery system for a chance at selection. Ajeet, who initially pursued the H-1B path, quickly realized that the system wasn’t designed with scalability for India’s population in mind. “The U.S. immigration system is broken,” he says, pointing to India’s limited seven percent country quota as an example. Ajeet chose an alternative path, launching a fast-casual Indian restaurant that emphasizes health-conscious dishes, and used this business as his visa sponsor.

• Some Indian immigrants have taken to social media to share their stories and connect with others facing similar obstacles

• Priya, a marketing professional and influencer, uses her platform to discuss U.S. immigration issues, encouraging others to remain resilient

• “Everyone’s experience is unique, but the effort it takes to navigate the system shouldn’t be this difficult,” she says

Dependency on the H-1B system also creates a web of obstacles for family members. For Meeta Damani, who moved to the U.S. as a dependent, years without work authorization led to depression and a loss of identity. She eventually turned her experience into a documentary, hoping to raise awareness about the need for a more permanent solution for H-4 dependents. “Back then, H-4 holders couldn’t work, and even now, the situation is precarious,” she explains. “Today’s solution rests on an executive order, which can be rescinded at any moment.”

Dependents, particularly children, face their own set of challenges. Rahael, who has been in the U.S. for 14 years on an H-4 visa, is acutely aware of the limitations her daughter faces as she approaches her 18th birthday. With limited opportunities and the looming threat of aging out at 21, her daughter’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain.

The green card backlog compounds these difficulties. Due to per-country caps, Indian nationals face wait times that can stretch up to 50 years. Sonal Sharma, an immigration lawyer in New Jersey, frequently encounters cases that illustrate the harsh realities of this system. In one instance, an H-1B holder’s sudden passing left dependents without a home or a clear path forward. “The backlog prevents individuals from seizing opportunities and securing their futures,” Sharma notes.

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