The Struggle to Survive: Unique challenges for Gen Z and Zillennial Indian Immigrants in the US

Navigating an ever-changing landscape in pursuit of the American Dream

Gen Z and Zillennial Indian immigrants have it harder than their predecessors.

I can hear Gen X and Millennial Indian immigrants coming for my throat with, “You are wrong, Aditi. We had it SO MUCH harder!”

I agree with you - In a lot of ways, we had it harder.

• I remember having to buy $10 Reliance calling cards to get a 1,000 minutes or so to call my parents. The new generation does it FOR FREE with Whatsapp.

• We had to ask our college seniors to drive all the way to the airport to pick us up. The new generation doesn’t need this. They have Uber.

• Goodness, we even had to reach out to randoma** strangers on Facebook groups to get roommates. Does the new generation still do this? 🧐

  

However, the new generation has to deal with a set of unique immigration challenges that we did not have to deal with.

Here’s 3 of them.

1. Historically low H1-B odds

In the past, although obtaining an H1B visa was competitive, there was a reasonable expectation of eventually getting selected (If not the 1st attempt, then surely we’ll get picked in the 2nd or 3rd attempt).

However, for Gen Z and Zillennial immigrants, the odds have become increasingly slim.

Experts project that in the 2024 H-1B visa lottery, the odds were around 10% with 1 in 10 submissions being selected.

As a result, they are compelled to explore alternate routes such as the O1 visa - Extraordinary Ability Visa - which comes with its own set of demanding qualifications. The challenge of obtaining temporary work authorization has intensified, requiring them to go the extra mile to earn the right to work in the US.

2. PERM Process: Delays and Online Chaos

The PERM process, one of the first steps in the green card application journey, has become increasingly time-consuming and unpredictable for this new generation.

According to US Department of Labor (DOL), the PERM process is taking 8.5 months to process.

Compounding the issue, the Department of Labor is migrating the PERM process to an online system that can introduce potential chaos.

Immigration attorney, Tess Douglas shares her concern,

The new online system is creating additional uncertainties for Gen Z and Zillennial immigrants which further complicates their path to obtaining permanent residency.

3. Uncertainty of Employer Petition for Green Card

While previous generations endured long waiting periods for green card approval, they had a greater sense of assurance and enthusiasm from their employers to file their green card applications.

However, for Gen Z and Zillennial immigrants, the situation is more precarious. The frequent layoffs and budget cuts has led to a significant decline in employer support for sponsoring green cards. As a result, their green card applications through the EB2 category are constantly at risk.

These additional challenges require Gen Z and Zillennial immigrants to seek alternative pathways to secure their status and future in the United States. One such pathway is EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) which is independent of employer sponsorship and does not require the PERM process. Just like O-1, EB2 NIW is not a piece of cake. It requires WORK.

And even after all this struggle,

Gen Z and Zillennial Indian immigrants still have to get into the 90+ year green card backlog and wait for their shot at permanent residency.

To the Indian Gen Z and Zillennial readers,

If you're reading this, please know that the purpose is not to scare or discourage you. Instead, it's to provide you with awareness of the path that lies ahead so you can plan accordingly -

Be it to navigate the challenges in the US or continue your successful journey elsewhere.

You didn’t come this far to come this far.

You got this!

Best,

Dr. Aditi Paul