What does the journey of obtaining a visa and green card to stay in the US look like, when spread out over 13 years? MD shares how his passion for media and experiences as a gay man shaped his decision to move from Singapore to the US. He also sheds light on the challenges he faced while navigating the workplace, from getting support from leadership to kickstart his green card process to carefully deciding what his next job should be.
All the while, MD holds much empathy for companies and businesses that are doing their best to support the workers who hope to maintain their life in the US.
We hope that through the stories (linked below) by MD, Na He, John, and Dahee, you've learned a little bit more about the lived experiences of immigrants who pursue the American dream.
This episode was originally published in August 2020.
More about MD
Born in China, raised in the UK, China, and Singapore, I have always enjoyed learning stories of others who own different pieces of the world I will never see. I have taken many personality tests and they all came back with a similar outcome, telling me that I’m a big “giver”, which is totally on point, given I always think about how I could amplify my limited time and energy to help as many people out there as possible. I did consulting, sold tactical pants, and now work in the fertility business to change the world, one family at a time. But I know I still need to continue the journey inward, and find out what I ultimately want to do for the rest of my life. You see - I’m still a work-in-progress human - probably just like you.
⟡ Instagram & TikTok: @mdthekiddo
⟡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdxyma/
Related episodes
⟡ 66. How the American Dream Has Failed International Students ft. Na He Jeon & John Suh
⟡ 67. Persisting Through COVID-19 & Visa Restrictions En Route to Harvard Dental School ft. Dahee Chung
Watch our highlights for this episode!
⟡ A Fresh Start in America... Then Comes the Reality Check | https://youtu.be/ldOllrTFDYE
⟡ Removing the Instagram Filter of the American Dream | https://youtu.be/r1YPftDIp0s
⟡ Quotes on Instagram
Glossary
⟡ F-1 visa: A visa issued to allow one to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited educational institution.
⟡ H1-B visa: A visa that allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
⟡ Green card: Also known as the Permanent Resident card, this allows one to live and work permanently in the US.
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