Going abroad has today become a dream for lakhs of young people. Especially going to America, building a career there and then settling there has emerged as a major trend among the younger generation. The hope of better jobs, higher income, a modern lifestyle and better facilities is drawing young people towards foreign countries. For many families, a child going abroad has even come to be seen as a sign of a better future.
For this very reason, every year a large number of Indians, especially Punjabi youth, go through the visa process in the race to reach America. Long queues and long waiting times for visa appointments outside American embassies and consulates give a glimpse of just how strong the desire to go to America is. Students, working youth and people looking for better opportunities for their families do not hesitate to spend lakhs of rupees to fulfil this dream.
But behind the glitter of America and the picture of a high standard of living, there is another reality as well. After reaching a foreign country, building a home in a new country, finding a job, dealing with rising expenses, bearing the burden of taxes and bills, and living away from family can become major challenges for many people. There is often a considerable difference between the foreign life shown on social media and real life.
In contrast, some immigrant Indians have presented a different picture for those Indian youth who dream of a career and a better life in America.
Recently, a video has been trending widely on social media. The video was shared on Instagram from the handle @darshanaconnects. In this video, young people are advising Indians not to come to America.
They say that despite getting a good job abroad, distance from family, visa worries and loneliness can make life difficult.
When they were asked what advice they would give to young Indians preparing to come to America, Suhas replied directly, “Don’t come.” Based on his experience, he explained that today India provides as many opportunities as America used to provide earlier, and the cost of moving abroad cannot be measured only in terms of money.
In the video, Suhas explained that when he and Priyanka left India and went to America, finding a good job and achieving a better standard of living was difficult. At that time, America seemed like an easy option: “Get a master’s degree, get a job, and your life is set.” But things have changed. He said, “Now, whatever happens here is possible in India. Whatever you do here, you can do the same in India as well.” Priyanka added that investment in India is increasing and many investors are being attracted to the country.
Disadvantages of Going Abroad
Most importantly, Suhas spoke about the personal losses. He said that leaving family and friends behind, building new relationships in a new country and trying to be accepted comes at a very high cost. He said, “I am still not accepted here. I would prefer to live in India. If possible, I would go back.” Suhas’s words became the most talked-about part of the video. He gave the example of Chinese students who, after gaining education and experience, return to their home countries and create value there, while many Indians keep waiting for a long time.
The Cost of Coming Abroad
After the video went viral, Suhas responded in greater detail in the comments. He wrote that salary should not be the only consideration. Visa worries, dependence on employers, a spouse’s career coming to a halt, uncertainty about the future of one’s children, distance from one’s parents, and waiting for stability… all of these are costs. He clearly said, “If I had known the full cost, I would not have chosen this step.” Despite spending many years in America, he feels that returning would come at a huge cost, which is why he continues to stay there, but he advises newcomers to make a well-considered decision.
Green Card Policy Is the Biggest Problem
Suhas wrote, “Immigration is the biggest reason. For Indians, there is no easy path to getting a Green Card even with a good job.” He urged prospective immigrants to consider the broader costs of moving abroad beyond salary, including visa uncertainty, dependence on an employer, a spouse’s career, children’s immigration status, distance from parents, and the years spent waiting for stability.
Following this video, an online debate has erupted. Some people agree with this view, while others believe that going abroad still provides better opportunities.
Therefore, the question is not only how to reach America, but also what life is like after reaching there. Along with higher earnings, are higher expenses, loneliness and constant struggle also part of this dream? The experiences of immigrant Indians living in America bring to light many realities hidden behind the shine of this “American Dream.”
This story of returning to Punjab from abroad is also a message for those who dream of going far away in search of their future. After this video, several questions are arising in the minds of young people. Will the price of the American Dream now force Indian youth to reconsider, and will returning to their own country seem like a better option?
What is your opinion? Do tell us by commenting.
One should definitely experience going abroad once in life
or
Our Punjab above foreign lands? (Videsha to uppar Sadda Punjab)
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