Reader's Blog

The American Dream? Is it worth it?

The United States of America — a country that every Indian aspired to visit or live in at least once. There was a segment of Indian society that disregarded financial status, family background, English proficiency, and other factors, as they were united by the “American Dream”. This group believed that all their problems would vanish as soon as they set foot on American soil. They viewed America as a nation with a thriving economy, safety, international diversity, low unemployment rates, and an absence of poverty — essentially the complete opposite of India.

However, the mindset of these American Dreamers has now shifted. To Indians, the U.S. is now associated with school shootings, racism, protests, crimes, and other negative aspects. Today, parents think twice before sending their children to the U.S. for higher education or job opportunities, regardless of their financial means. The number of Indian dreamers from 24 years ago has significantly dwindled to just a few thousand individuals.

While some may argue about the lack of opportunities and intense competition in India, consider this: would you rather live in a country with prevalent racism and discrimination or reside in a truly diverse nation with a varied work culture and growing opportunities?

Indian parents now prefer to educate their children in India, and this decision is indeed beneficial. It not only provides economic flexibility for parents and students but also helps retain the immense talent that the country has lost to the United States. While some may argue about the lack of opportunities and intense competition in India, consider this: would you rather live in a country with prevalent racism and discrimination or reside in a truly diverse nation with a varied work culture and growing opportunities?

As of 19 March 2024, nine Indians have lost their lives in the U.S., with one severely injured in an attempted robbery. Most of these victims were students; some murdered and others allegedly succumbing to hypothermia. Last year, a 23-year-old student named Jaahnavi Kandula from Northwestern University was killed by U.S. police officer, Kevin Dave, in Washington, when his car hit her at 120 mph. In later released footage, it was revealed that Officer Dave found the incident amusing and even remarked, “Just write a check.” Interestingly, in February this year, it was determined that he would not be charged due to a “lack of evidence”.

Reports indicate that the U.S. remains the preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, with a staggering 35% increase in their numbers in 2023. However, it is important to note that while the U.S. is not inherently unwelcoming to Indians, instances of racism and discrimination have been experienced by not only Indians but also individuals from various ethnic backgrounds such as Native Americans, Hispanics, Blacks, South East Asians, and more.

It is crucial to recognize that these issues are not exclusive to the U.S., as racism exists worldwide, including in India, towards foreign tourists and residents. The severity of these problems escalates when racism transforms into hate crimes, murder, or even genocide. Unfortunately, the U.S. government has not wholeheartedly and comprehensively addressed these concerns. In many cases, punishments are not adequately enforced, and local police departments often overlook such incidents. When contemplating studying or working in the United States, it is essential to acknowledge these challenges. There is a high crime rate, but it is also the top choice for Indian and international students and workers from diverse backgrounds. These obstacles pose significant hurdles for those already present in the country.

Shloke Jaitly (16) is a student of Vydehi School of Excellence, Bengaluru.

Shloke Jaitly

Shloke Jaitly (16) is a student of Vydehi School of Excellence, Bengaluru.