A New Beginning
As I arrived in the US in 2002 as a recently married woman in her 20s, conflicting emotions were coursing through me. I was nervous but also excited about starting a new life, and uncharacteristically (though very naively) optimistic that my resourcefulness would help me secure a job. Then, with a dash of luck and a ton of persistence, I would build a fulfilling career in the land of opportunity. I had reservations. My Indian husband of 5 weeks (Philadelphia resident and H1B visa holder) was a virtual stranger to me. We had met 2 months prior, and within a couple of weeks an arranged marriage had changed our lives completely. But I was not a stranger to the system of arranged marriages, and was eager to make it work.
Challenges Faced by South Asian Immigrant Women
For many South Asian women, immigration comes with unique struggles, including:
- Work Limitations: Dependent visa holders (such as those on H4 visas) often cannot legally work, making financial independence difficult.
- Cultural Expectations: Traditional gender roles and expectations within marriage can place additional pressure on women, limiting their career and personal growth.
- Mental Health Stigma: Feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression are common among immigrant women, yet mental health is often stigmatized within South Asian communities, leading many women to suffer in silence and avoid seeking help.
Even while navigating these challenges, I realized that I had a relatively easy path ahead of me. I came from a family that valued education. I was an MBA graduate with a year of work experience, and a fierce determination to be financially independent, and I was fluent in English. I knew other women who were not as fortunate.
Adapting to a New Culture
Despite my fluent English, my accent and turns of phrase were challenged on a regular basis. While I stand by “prepone,” “petrol station,” “fortnight,” and other Oxford-dictionary-approved Indianisms, I began to affect an American accent, something I had picked up from TV shows I grew up with (MacGyver and The A-Team). I adopted American slang and mannerisms and was all too eager to throw out Indian English along with the rest of my traditional baggage. It somehow seemed necessary to discard some aspects of my culture to assimilate.
The Power and Resilience of Immigrant Women
Despite the challenges they face, women immigrants have shown incredible resilience, adaptability, and work ethic, persevering in unfamiliar and even inhospitable environments. This was definitely the case within the small Indian immigrant community I was a part of.
Even while struggling to find work with the restrictions posed by my visa status, I was inspired by other less-educated immigrant women who thrived as entrepreneurs and professionals, going to great lengths to get an education, start small businesses and work toward financial independence—while also providing strong, bicultural foundations for their children and extended families.
According to SAALT, 75% of South Asians who live in the United States are foreign-born. The U.S. Census reports that Asian American women comprise 3.9% of the total U.S. population and 7.7% of the U.S. population of women. With proper support, these women can continue to contribute meaningfully to society.
How We Can Support Immigrant Women
Greater awareness and policy changes can empower South Asian immigrant women to thrive while preserving their unique cultural identities.
1. Expand Work Authorization for Dependent Visa Holders
Allowing dependent visa holders (H4 visas for example) to work can empower women economically.
2. Increase Access to Support Services
Organizations like Sakhi provide legal aid and economic and mental health resources to immigrant women.
3. Break the Stigma Around Mental Health
Open discussions about domestic violence, mental well-being and gender roles can lead to stronger support networks.
4. Educational Access and Career Support
Programs like the Live Your Dream Awards can help immigrant women pursue the higher education and skills they need to secure stable and well-paying jobs.
Gaining a Foothold
I landed a job and eventually built a career in recruiting, and was honored to become a naturalized US citizen in 2016. The journey was exhilarating, at times excruciating. I learned that assimilation need not be about giving up your identity.
While it’s important to be open to change, it’s equally important to be assertive about holding on to aspects of culture that are important to you. (I am keeping my American accent!) Finding common ground by embracing your roots while respecting cultural differences can be an enriching and illuminating experience.
Kavitha Manley is a writer, blogger, and poet who channels her passion for living a balanced and fulfilling life. She believes that happiness comes from health, wellness and practicing kindness – both to ourselves and to others.