This is Anupama’s story in her own words. A scientist who had dreams of building a career that would utilize her knowledge in science and research.
#LoveForScienceKeptMeGoing #SaveH4EAD
“I am Anupama , I am working as an Associate scientist at a major Biopharma company, I am able to work due to H4EAD, which is in jeopardy now, as the administration is planning to rescind the program.
I hold a Bachelor in Engineering in Biotechnology and Masters in Environmental Engineering and have an international paper published on my research work when I was based in India.
I moved to the US in 2013 as a dependent on H4 but then I had accepted the fact it is the rule of the land, but later I realized that every other dependent class visa is allowed to work but not H4.
Then there came hope when the rule of H4EAD came into effect in 2015. Well it was not easy after that either to get the the place where I am now. I received my EAD in mid 2016 and then I started working towards my passion (research and science), getting back to the industry I work in was a very difficult process, but I did not give up hope.
I took up a part time job as STEM instructor for preschool kids with the concept of building scientific aptitude in them and it was a great experience for everyone, the kids still recognize me as their science teacher.
After one year of stressful and dedicated effort I landed up in my dream job and then I hear the fall agenda for 2018, well my Christmas was not merry due to the fact I would not be able to work if the program was revoked. The pain, the fear, the stress, the anxiety of losing the passion of my life is cruel & inhumane, I am working for the skills, the knowledge, education and my passion towards Research and Science I have in me.
It’s cruel to snatch away a toy from a happy kid, and unfortunately the kid is me and many more here, well kids may even forget, but how can I ?
It will be forcing us to be a single income family.
If the administration for once looks at the brighter side for having the program — Most of the beneficiary are Women in the program, it is equal rights for employment in gender and empowerment of women in every field.
I am contributing my skills, research, knowledge and efforts in making America Great.
To summarize, Our married life began in the US, Our Home is in the US, Our Son was Born in the US, Our Work is For the US, why take it away? It would affect us so badly both psychologically & financially.
A humble request to the administration to reconsider the program and bring up a better solution other than rescinding it. Please do not disrupt our life by forcing us into single income family. I love my Identity please do not take it away from me.”