Raising awareness of untold narratives of South Asian immigrants living abroad that involve unique challenges and struggles through storytelling.
South Asians, especially Indians moving abroad after 18, face unique challenges. Many are unaware of the constant visa struggles in the US, impacting mental health, anxiety, and instability in life decisions. These individuals rebuild their lives, juggling responsibilities in both countries, and supporting parents back home. Despite being torn between two worlds, they exhibit resilience and persistence in pursuing their dreams, contributing to a narrative often overlooked.
Qualitative Research
Conducted over 200+ interviews with South Asian immigrants worldwide using Zoom, engaging in 30-45 minute conversations to explore their narratives from the initial contemplation of moving abroad to their present experiences. Explored how they navigated life in a new country, delving into the decisions they made to establish themselves overseas. Addressed their challenges, gleaned insights from their journeys, and gathered lessons learned that they could impart to others.
“I have been out of my house for the very first time, I feel homesick, I do not know how to cook as in India we all have domestic help and I feel so overwhelmed with new country, culture, people, education, and loan debt”
F1 Student
“I just hope my name gets picked up in the lottery else I will have to pack my bags and go back in 60 days. Since I only get 3 chances on my STEM degree. This constant fear of losing my job makes me anxious and I lose my mental health. The Greencard backlog is 130 years for Indians, the job market is always volatile, the family is aging back home, life looks so uncertain always does not matter how many years I have spent here, Is this even worth it?”
H1B Employee
“Why did I come to the USA with my husband? I lost my career, and I am financially dependent despite having a strong educational background and skillset to thrive but I do not have a visa to earn a single penny. I constantly doubt my self-worth.
I can’t apply for an educational loan since I do not have an SSN, my husband can’t afford the personal loan, my family can’t afford education, so what am I going to do now?”
H4 Wife
“After so many years, I finally got my visa, but now I have to navigate the career gap, and fill the skill gap while navigating my family goals because my biological cycle is daunting to me and I do not have a career. May be I can just quit and be happy as a homemaker because who will take care of my kids? Nanny service is expensive and on a single salary, We can’t afford any of this.”
H4EAD wife
“I came directly through the job, I feel a lack of connection with the culture and it’s tough to make friends at this age and in the office. I feel, that if I had come as a student, I may had better connections and felt belongingness here. But, I also feel all these F1 and H1b suffer so much with visa anxiety, whereas, I got my Greencard so at least there is a sense of security I feel with my family.”
L1 Visa holder
“O1 is a great visa for me to pursue however it is only for someone with extraordinary abilities, and I am not sure if I am eligible for it. I am trying immigration lawyer to help me as my company will never file for my H1B and I still need to find a job to pay my debts”
O1 visa holder
Recognized as a leading figure among South Asian women, I was honored during Women’s History Month for my role as the Founder of Stories of South Asians, alongside other highly accomplished women leaders from various industries. At the General Council of India in New York and The Taj Pierre, New York, I had the privilege to share the brand's mission and vision.
Additionally, I shared insights into the often unseen journey of immigrants, aiming to illuminate their resilience, aspirations, and community upliftment. Through this platform, we addressed the challenges of building a life from scratch, including navigating anxiety, mental health issues, and visa struggles.
The largest Storytelling platform for South Asian Immigrants living abroad.
Secondary Research
Indian Workers Face Up to 134-Year Wait For a Green Card.
Over 400,000 Indian workers in the U.S. hoping for an employment-based green card face a 134-year wait, according to a new analysis by libertarian think tank the Cato Institute.
The U.S. government’s annual cap of 140,000 employment-based visas and the 7% per-country limit have led to a backlog of 1.8 million cases, of which 1.1 million come from India.
In March 2023, there was a backlog of 80,324 employment-based petitions, comprising 171,635 applicants, which included spouses and minor children. Additionally, 1.3 million people were placed on a waiting list, while 289,000 were in the process of adjusting their status.
Source: https://www.boundless.com/blog/indians-face-134-year-wait-employment-based-green-card/
Why did I do this?
Having immigrated to the United States from India/South Asia six years ago, initially residing in Los Angeles and San Francisco before settling in New York, I've observed a noticeable absence of representation for the voices of contemporary immigrants. While the challenges of adapting to a new country, experiencing culture change, and navigating visa complexities are widely acknowledged, there is a silence surrounding the difficulties of sustaining oneself on a temporary work permit and forging a life, along with the consequential impact on mental health and life choices.
Recognizing this void and actively participating in the immigrant community, I chose to fill it by narrating the experiences of South Asians who moved to different parts of the world after turning 18. The goal is to highlight the stories of immigrants who understand their value extends beyond their visa status. They're here not just to grow professionally but as individuals unwilling to sacrifice their entire lives for a visa. Instead, they aim to build a strong foundation for their families and pursue their dreams, does not matter what part of the world they live in.
According to a 2020 survey, 30 percent of Indian immigrants to the United States reported having a green card. Additionally, around 27 percent of survey participants said they were in the United States with an H-1B visa, which is granted for work-related immigration.
Secondary Research
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1247024/us-distribution-indian-immigrants-visa-type/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202020%20survey,granted%20for%20work%20related%20immigration.
Impact
In July 2023, I launched a social media platform to amplify these narratives, and within 90 days, our platform gained an organic reach of 1 million and accumulated over 7,000 followers. This rapid growth underscores the pressing need for discussions on the often-overlooked aspects of survival, mental health, and life-building during the pursuit of a better life abroad.
Reached Audience
“The problem isn’t just visa but if I lose my job, what I am going to do with my family, house that I bought, and life that I have build. How am I going to wrap up my life and go back within 60 days If I don’t find a new job after living in this country for 18 years.”
Immigrant Insight
Podcast Series
South Asian Dermatologist: Dr Tia Paul from Los Angeles, USA
Addressing South Asian skin concerns, particularly focusing on educating those who have recently moved to the United States, is crucial. This unique diaspora faces challenges in understanding how to take care of their skin in the context of weather changes, aging, and various lifestyle factors. Given their limited access to Indian skincare practices and being relatively new to American treatments and solutions, there's a need for targeted guidance in navigating and maintaining skin health within this specific cultural context.
Dr. Tia Paul arrived in the United States as an international student, focusing on the study of medicine. She has since established herself as a thriving dermatologist in the USA. A board-certified dermatologist trained at Harvard-MIT, Dr. Tia collaborates with prominent skincare brands worldwide and boasts a social media following exceeding 400,000.
“I can only go for STEM education because it gives me three chances in the H1B lottery. This lottery is crucial for my work permit, which I need for my job in the country. Getting this job is essential for paying off my education loan because if I return without paying, I won't be able to handle my significant $$$ debts.”
Immigrant Insight
Immigrants feedback from across the globe
Potential Monetizing Strategy
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)/ South Asians may have varied interests when it comes to collaborating, depending on their background, industry, and personal goals. However, some common themes and areas of interest for NRIs in collaborative strategies may include:
Investment Opportunities:
Real Estate
Fintech
Startups
Stocks
Skill Development and Education:
Educational institutions or initiatives focused on training and development back in the home country or the country living in.
Cultural and Artistic Collaborations:
Promote and preserve the cultural heritage.
Partnerships involving arts, literature, and cultural events can create opportunities for meaningful collaborations.
Government and Policy Involvement:
Government initiatives or policy development to contribute to the economic and social development.
Technology and Innovation::
Tech companies for Product, Service, or Experience.
Incubators
Research institutions
Social Impact and Philanthropy:
Community development
Healthcare, or social welfare programs may align with their values.
Networking and Professional Development:
Networking opportunities and professional development events in the country living in.
Initiatives that facilitate connections in the home country can be valuable.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
Startup ecosystem.
Mentorship programs, Consulting services, incubators, or accelerators.
