Three paths from different countries but with the same objective to achieve the American educational dream. The different immigration contexts and conditions have a profound impact on the experiences of international students in the United States, directly affecting their educational opportunities and integration into the academic environment.
Visa types, available financial support, and current immigration policies are factors that can either facilitate or limit access. For many, the dream of studying at an American college or university comes with a lot of challenges, such as the pressure to quickly adapt to a new educational system and overcoming cultural and social barriers.
However, for those who manage to overcome such obstacles, the experience in the US can open doors to global opportunities that transform their lives and careers. Each immigrant student may understand not just the struggles, but the success that can come from immigration.
João Silva is a Brazilian student whose parents moved to the United States when he was 12 years old. The family obtained a green card through a legal work process, and João began attending a public school in the USA.
Silva learned English while studying in high school, and after graduation he was accepted into an American university, where he is studying engineering. Silva is already fully integrated into American culture, but he still greatly values his Brazilian roots and maintains contact with his community.
The process of immigrating into American society can be complex, while some can adapt quicker than others. The only complexity isn’t just adaptation, it’s also legality in the face of wanting a better future, with some needing to flee their home countries to be in safer conditions.
María Rodríguez is a student from Venezuela who came to the United States with her family in search of better conditions due to the political and economic crisis in her country. They entered illegally, crossing the Mexican border, and now live with irregular status.
Despite the difficulties, Rodríguez managed to finish high school with good grades and was accepted into a community college, but faced barriers in obtaining student financing due to her lack of documents. She dreams of becoming legalized in the future to continue her studies in social sciences and help other immigrants.
The process of immigrating to a new country can be stressful, especially considering the circumstances of the immigration. Rodríguez is one of the many who sought for a better life in the face of political instability. She isn’t the only immigrant who’s interested in helping others in the face of political and economic uncertainty.
Sophie Dubois is a French student who decided to study in the United States after completing high school in France. She came with an F-1 visa, specifically for international students, to pursue a degree in International Relations at a prestigious university.
Sophie lives in a student dormitory and participates in international groups on campus to learn about other cultures. She plans to use her education to work at an international organization or an embassy after graduation.
Despite her legal status as an immigrant, she still is under constant surveillance and pressure to follow all guidelines in order to keep her visa.
These three cases demonstrate how legal status, socioeconomic background, and available opportunities have a direct impact on the educational and immigration trajectories of international students.
Silva has security provided by a green card, Rodríguez faces a significant barrier due to her undocumented status, and Dubois, even with the appropriate visa, must navigate the pressure of adhering to strict immigration laws.
In my opinion every country has laws, and when you want to create a student career you need to try to prepare yourself for this big challenge, but sometimes life guides us through different barriers and allows an international student to make hard decisions. But hard decisions and hard ways can make us better.
For the students who are reading this article who are from the United States, I tell you that behind an international student there is a life story, and it is often very difficult for non-immigrants to respect immigrants, often who arrived and are attending university. The response often demonstrates a lot of your humanity.
For you who are reading this article and are an international student or want to become one, I tell you not to give up on your dreams and fight for them even if you don’t receive any support, knowledge is the only thing in our life that nothing and no one you can take it away from us, Believing in yourself is the key to winning.
For a more in-depth analysis about immigration and student visas, visit: https://www.uscis.gov .
