From the Lens of a 1st Generation Immigrant

1972. Mumbai, India.

Meet my father at the age of 25, well-groomed for his first ever passport photograph. Growing up as a charismatic and confident young man in the outskirts of Mumbai, he had dreams of a better life. He envisioned his future self as a doctor, raising a family in the land of opportunity— the United States.

At the age of 25, he fearlessly stepped on a plane by himself and traveled to a foreign land. He said goodbye to everything he knew — including his family, friends and my mother, whom he just met — for his shot at a new life. He vowed he would return for my mother, marry her, and bring her to America with him. While this sounds like a fairy tale, the harsh reality is that he had little money, knew no one, and faced challenging obstacles — living alone in Africa to finish his exams, working in Canada until he received his U.S. Green Card, and overcoming preferential treatment in the United States.

Today, I am 25 years old, the same age as my father in this photo. I ask myself— Could I ever be as courageous as my father? Would I be willing to risk all that I have today for a dream? The answer is no, and it’s because I’m fortunate to already have everything I want due to the sacrifices my immigrant parents made for me.

I look at today’s nation from the lens of a first-generation immigrant, and I’m saddened by how our country is evolving. There are thousands, like my parents, who lost all they had while coming to America, only to seek refuge from danger or to leave poverty behind. Our nation was founded by immigrants, refugees, and dreamers alike — all looking for a better life. They helped build this country, and we cannot shut our doors in times of need.

For over 200 years, our nation’s reputation as the “land of opportunities” has held true — until this presidency. It’s time to rise up and do something.

Here’s what we can do to help:

1. Call your local legislator: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
2. Donate to the International Refugee Committee or American Civil Liberties Union
3. Volunteer: Work with organizations like America’s Voice or United We Dream.
4. Stay Passionate: Let your voice be heard. People’s lives are at risk, and it’s not okay.