I have a dream. That's what led me to Washington DC.
Maya Angelou inspired me by saying "I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me"
Maya Angelou opened my eyes by saying "I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me"
I have a dream. That's what led me to Washington DC.
I thought I am the only one struggling in this discrimination of 134 years of green card backlog, searching for freedom to live my dreams.
I found in DC that I am not alone. It includes a million people stuck while working for American companies as doctors, engineers and scientists on a 60 day parole.
As I began to hear their stories, I learned that my pain is nothing in comparison to what these people are going through.
It includes this doctor who has done heart surgeries of 4000+ Americans in South Dakota and has one son born in India and another in America. After 20+ years in service to America, he moved out to Canada to keep the family together as his son born in India can't stay here anymore.
Then I heard the story of a 17 years old ice hockey played in Minnesota, who came to America with parents when he was 2 years old. He got educated in American schools and recently learned from his parents, that he would have to leave America as he turns 21. He said he is depressed, and uncertain about his future. His whole belonging is based on American flag and they are kicking him out because of his country of birth.
Then I heard the story of daughters of these immigrants who moved 10+ years ago. As their parents have been stuck in the green card backlog, none of them can work or take any jobs.
Then I met this scientist at NASA, who has been a top scientist from India, wondering how he is going to plan out his life or whether he should move back and start over again.
This isn't even brain drain or brain gain. I would be ok if there is brain getting used in service of someone on earth.
What I realized this is killing someone's brain. This is a humanitarian crisis.
A human being in a democracy with no rights kept throughout their life, with power in either the hands of the corporates or the congress. One side trying to increase capital while the other side spreading hate to win American voters.
As a leader I thought our job was to help other people self-actualize. What happened to basic rights?
They are keeping educated people in survival mode with 60 days. What happened to my right to vote?
America was supposed to lift people up and help them live dreams. So why are they fighting against me by keeping me in this lifetime of backlog.
I am unsure why no Indian leader in America vocalized about this humanitarian crisis.
Even when one leader runs Microsoft and one runs Google.
Do they not understand how humans work and act as a leader for once?
Whatever the reason, this is the truth and I want this to change.
I have a dream. I don't want to be discriminated in America.
Because if I am the one facing discrimination, how would I call America a country of dreams?
#immigrant #immigration #dreams #discrimination