KATHMANDU:

All of us dream of having a better life. And this is true for the majority of Nepalis. For many living below the poverty line, a better life would include fulfilment of basic necessities like food and shelter, while for the financially strong the answer would be a luxurious life.

And for many a better life means the ‘American Visa’, or in other

words, a permit to enter the land of opportunity. To land in the US of A has always been a dream for many in developing and undeveloped countries. And Nepal is no exception with almost every Nepali believing in the American dream.

If one asks high school graduates about his/her future plans, many will say “to apply for an American visa for further studies”.

Students make a sizable population of the Nepali community in the US. According to statistics published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the number of Nepali students enrolled in US colleges and universities grew by 11 per cent in 2005 as compared to 2004. Among the top 25 sending countries, Nepal ranks at 23 and shows the highest rate of growth.

Nepalis strongly believe America is the dreamland promising a better life, a good source of employment and education. But does a US visa ensure a full-stop to our struggle? Is America the dreamland that the Nepali youth has been dreaming of? Or is the American dream another myth?

The main factor that makes Nepalis choose flying to the US over staying in Nepal is money with education coming second on the list. Every one desires to live a luxurious life and save enough for the future. With a per capita income of $240, it is impossible to live a luxurious life. In a situation like this, it is obvious people will get lured by the amount that can be earned in America on the same amount of hardwork. The amount an average Nepali earns in a year in America, most Nepalis will not be able to earn even in a lifetime here. Political instability here has had a profound effect on our educational institutions with many shutting down every time a conflict arises. This had led to students opting for American schools for quality education and worldwide recognition.

Many Nepalis are also flocking the US due to family pressure and prestige. People who return from America have a relatively higher standard of living and are viewed as successes.

Going abroad for higher studies or work experience is not at all negative, but what is not good is that majority of such people do not return. There are three reasons to explain this. First, opportunity for those who’ve returned from foreign lands to work is almost nil; second, political instability has discouraged many students from returning; finally, our educational institutions are still struggling to maintain the global education standards.

Obviously, the grass looks greener on the other side. But do Nepalis in America always end up successful? Sad, but true, many times the rosy American dream turns sour. Many get physically exhausted and emotionally drained due to the fast life and a very competitive environment. Students have to balance work and study, while others have to compromise with blue collar jobs due to lack of qualification and no recognition of degrees obtained at home. Though there are examples of Nepalis working at managerial levels and being quite successful at what they do, but they do have to cope with the negative aspects of the American life.

And unless there is political stability and economic prosperity, the US will continue to be a dreamland for Nepalis whether it is a myth or reality. — Alek Poudel, Chandani Shrestha, Kishan Khetan, Raju Uprety, Sandeep Jalan and Upasana Khakurel, KUSOM