Signing the end of the Indian American dream

Raju Korti
As someone who has watched the allure of the American dream captivate generations of Indians, it is sobering to now witness the potential collapse of that dream for many. The executive order recently signed by Donald Trump -- denying birthright citizenship to children born in the US to parents on work visas like H-1B and L1 -- is not just a legislative maneuver but a seismic shift in the lives of millions. The implications are far-reaching, cutting across professional, personal, and societal dimensions.

(An Instagram grab)

The American dream, once synonymous with boundless opportunities and upward mobility, now appears all but over for many Indians. With the denial of birthright citizenship, a critical assurance of stability and future security has been stripped away. For those who invested years navigating the convoluted Green Card process, this policy change is nothing short of a devastating setback.

Let’s start with the premise of why so many Indians venture to the United States. Most go there with high aspirations, eager to seize opportunities in a land perceived as the ultimate meritocracy. These individuals often revel in their success stories, narrating their achievements back home, and positioning themselves as paragons of ambition and resilience. But now, many of these dreamers face a rude awakening. Immigration policies can change on a dime, and what once seemed like a pathway to permanence is now fraught with uncertainty. The promise of birthright citizenship for their children was a cornerstone of this dream, a vital fallback in an already convoluted Green Card process. Without it, the entire foundation begins to crumble.

The professional implications for those facing deportation are stark. Having worked for reputed American brands, many returning individuals may initially enjoy an advantage in India’s job market, leveraging their overseas experience. But this edge is superficial and short-lived. India’s job market, already strained by high competition, is not equipped to absorb an influx of returnees with inflated expectations and often misaligned skill sets. Adjusting to Indian work culture, grappling with lower wages, and reconciling with diminished professional stature can be traumatic.

Socially, the situation is no less challenging. These individuals will need to reintegrate into a society they left behind, often years ago, and where they no longer seamlessly belong. The upheaval affects entire families. Children who were born or raised in the US and have known no other home will struggle to adapt to life in India, dealing with culture shock, educational transitions, and a lack of social familiarity. The returnees’ aspirations of upward mobility, once symbolized by their move to the US, now hang precariously in the balance.

For India, the implications are equally complex. The country’s economy could face additional strain as it tries to accommodate this influx of highly qualified yet disoriented professionals. While their global exposure might enrich certain industries, the mismatch between their expectations and ground realities could lead to widespread frustration. The broader societal impact cannot be ignored either. Resentment among those who have built their lives in India, only to now compete with returnees for limited opportunities, could spark tensions. This is not just about job market dynamics but about perceptions of privilege and entitlement.

On a macro level, the policy shift highlights the fragility of immigration as a long-term strategy. It serves as a stark reminder that, no matter how integrated one becomes in a foreign land, the rules of engagement are never entirely within their control. This unpredictability is compounded by the reality of US immigration policy, which, as evidenced by this order, can be exclusionary even toward those who play by the rules.

As the buffer period of 30 days ticks away and the order’s implementation looms, it is clear that this is not merely a matter of legal technicalities but of disrupted lives. The Indian government, too, will need to prepare for the challenges this wave of returnees will bring, from policy interventions to support frameworks. It’s not just a question of who gets to live the American dream anymore; it’s about how to manage the fallout when that dream is denied.

This development is a sobering lesson in impermanence. It underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the recognition that no opportunity -- no matter how lucrative or seemingly secure—comes without risk. For those staring at the prospect of being deported, the journey ahead will demand nothing short of reinvention.