A Visa Wife’s Thoughts!

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General

I am a visa wife. This means I am on a dependent visa while my husband is on H1B work visa in the US. My Visa is in H4 category, which is regressive to say the least. Now, while the techies are reeling due to uncertainities over H1B Visa Bill, which might become an act under President Donald Trump’s administration, I secretly rejoice.

It is also being rumoured that work permits of H4 visa holders, which was a part of 2015 Department of Homeland Security initiative by former President Barack Obama, might change. This means visa wives would not be allowed to earn any kind of income and may be restricted to cooking, cleaning and volunteering. In short, a completely dependent entity – emotionally, socialy and economicaly. 

I truly believe that US is a great country to live but if the work permit for H4, is cancelled, it would be a curse for Indian women, who accompany their husbands at the cost of their own ambitions. My stay in the US has been smooth and filled with happiness so far. And I had plans to be economically independent when my kids grew up a bit but under the present scenario, I find hope in returning to India. 

It wouldn’t have mattered if being a dependent was optional, but when one is forced into shadows, it’s unfair. 

If things change, I dream of going back and being surrounded by family and friends. Then, there will be the lovely Indian Maid – Kaam wali bai, whom I have missed almost every day!

Technology is here to stay and techies are like minions. They will find a big boss sometime soon even if there are job cuts due to the overhaul. They will not perish.

Truly speaking, it might be better for husbands if they stay in the US because work conditions are nicer here. Even kids are better off in the US. But for silently cooking and cleaning visa wives, who are away from society and independence, going  back to India would always be great.

Images courtesy Google

30 thoughts on “A Visa Wife’s Thoughts!”

  4. And here i am who happily declined GC request from my firm 2 years back. I will be hitting H1 visa limit in June and now looking forward to leaving the country after 6 glorious years.
    All my choice, no regrets, as i believe you can rise and shine anywhere if you are capable!

    As for H4: In a foreign country, you are bound by their rules…think of it that way!

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    1. Great to know that Alok. So glad for you. As for H4, I was fine when work permit was there but revoking it would be unfortunate. I respect the rules but we all know that H4 is said to be a little too much😀

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  5. The Trump regime has come in unexpectedly, like the Brexit now set to be a reality in couple of years from now. Always be open to changes in life, Shivangi. If coming back home is not all that alluring, countries such as Canada and Australia are open to receiving people.

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  6. I’m sorry to hear that you and your husband’s visas are under certain scrutiny. I get the feeling you are secretly hoping to get to go back to India. I truly hope it works out the way you and your husband hopes that it works out Shivangi. I can tell you that the U.S. is much better with you and your husband and children in it.

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  12. I have so many friends who have been hit by this situation and it’s just sad. My former neighbours in Houston are from India and I know that the wife (who by the way studied Engineering) wasn’t too happy being in the shadows. As a traveling wife who follows hubby about, I know just how difficult these situations can be on the wives. I hope it all works out for the best.

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