Artist Lookout!

New Documentary on H4 Visas

Unauthorized to work in the US since 2002, Meghna Damani’s struggles inspired her first film. Hearts Suspended traces the filmmaker’s personal journey as she reveals how educated South Asian immigrant women struggle with depression, loss of self-identity, strained marital relations and other issues in the US on H4 (dependent spouse) visas, which deny them work-authorization. The film has recently been accepted into the IAAC festival. The Brownbag met with Meghna to get to the heart of the issues.

BB: Do you think spouses who enter the US on a H4 visa should have the right to work?

MD: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that the ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.’

I feel that in-order to have a peaceful American society it is imperative to respect the dignity of the immigrant community. Especially in the case of H4s who are LEGAL immigrants. Not doing so would only foster unhappiness within these families, which is the root cause of violence and unrest.

BB: Do you believe there are a lot of people in a similar situation to you?

MD: Yes many – I don’t have exact figures but second hand information saying approximately 95,000 people entered the US on H4 visas in 2005. Also, this is not a plight for women alone. A lot of men are on H4 visas.

BB: Why is it so difficult for qualified candidates from overseas to find sponsorship from a US company?

MD: There are a number of reasons. For overseas candidates to work here they need a work visa (H1) sponsored by the company. Some companies just flat out have policies that do not allow them to sponsor. Others cannot afford it. The ones who can sponsor have to wait till the yearly quota for H1’s opens up. Last year this quota was filled in two hours. This is too cumbersome a process for most companies to spend time and money on in industries where they could get another candidate much easier.

Additionally there are other issues like foreign work experience and education not being regarded due to lack of awareness of foreign systems. And then over a longer period and repeated rejections, candidates themselves lose confidence, which affects their ability to secure a job.

BB: Finally, what is your advice to others out there who face the frustration of being willing to work but not allowed to do so?

MD: I would say firstly understand that it is not your inability to get a job that is preventing you from getting it. Understand at the outset that the system is different. Use the help of your husband, friends, and other women on H4 (there are several blogs on sulekha.com, orkut, H4blogs, and I will have one on my site heartssuspended.com soon) to understand the system and your options. Be prepared for the long haul – it might take long, but you will come out of it as long as you don’t give up. In the meanwhile, build your skills – go back to school (don’t feel guilty, its an investment), take classes, read, get a license, volunteer, intern – you never know what translates into a job. Push yourself to get out of the house and meet people. The worst thing to do is seclude yourself when the system is already secluding you. Don’t say, ‘I am not the type to make the effort’. Go out there and make the causes to advance your life and then the universe will have no option but to respond. Re-invent yourself. Make this the best thing that happened to you - everyday.