Dollar dreams are the most common dreams for the youngsters and their parents in India. But now, they seems to be turning into nightmares due to the indications of US Government on the immigrations in the post Covid pandemic scenario.
"My parents and in-laws live in Kurnool and Gudivada respectively. They keep coming to stay with us at least once in two years. But I think it is no more safe for them to travel, in post-covid era, as they are above 70. I am thinking to go back to India and settle somewhere in Hyderabad or Bengaluru. I am no way in mood to be here as the health conditions and political situations are more vulnerable now than before", says Murthy, a software engineer living in San Francisco.
This is in fact a point to be noted. Indians opting to live in USA have many surrounding issues and one among them is accessibility to/with parents in India.
"I think we may have to show immunity certificate every time we travel to India and return. Keeping that aside, Trump is giving indications to erect a virtual wall between India and USA with respect to legal immigration. In fact, those indications may be short lived in connection with the election campaign. But on a whole, the preference for H1 visa holders in job market here may be diminishing at least for a few years from now", says Adarsh, a resident of Austin, Texas.
Is Covid resulting in pole shift? Why this sudden detachment with the USA among the H1 Visa holders? Of course, the answers are evident from their answers. It's a mix of fleeting insecurity with passing pessimism.
"We got our Green Card last year. So, there wouldn't be any big problem for us. But the land of opportunities may not open doors for new immigrants at least for some time down the line, I feel. Covid pandemic has changed the psyche of government here", says Sirisha, a banker living in New Jersey.
Though they are Green Card holders, the travel restrictions and surrounding fears will be the same for them and their parents living in India.
"There is no vaccine for common cold despite these many years of medical advancement. I am told that it is difficult to develop a vaccine for common cold as it may get attacked by any one of the 250 kinds of virus. Well, they might have developed a vaccine for at least the most common kind of virus among 250. But they couldn't. Now Covid is another. Who can confirm if the world can see a vaccine for it? I think we have to live with it or die with it. No other option. How can we get dollar dreams amidst these nightmares?" laments Sarala, an engineering graduate in Hyderabad.
Before concluding with a feeling that gone are those days, let us optimistically wish that the world will see the same old happiness and high aspirations like in pre Covid times.
