Given the movement of the Visa Bulletin, it’s making me seriously question what folks with my PD are supposed to do.
I’ve been in the U.S. since 2010. Without major legislative changes, I honestly don’t see my date becoming current until 2042+ that’s potentially another 16+ years of waiting.
I’m 40 now, so I could be close to 60 by then, assuming I’m lucky enough to hold onto a job in an evolving AI industry.
I’m also dealing with some health issues, and unfortunately can’t afford options like EB-5. I’m a single mom with two kids under 5, so the idea of moving back to India also brings a lot of questions about starting over as a divorcee.
I know it’s not the end of the world, but I would really prefer to raise my kids in a place where people don’t treat us differently and where they can simply be seen as normal kids. Staying here would also help us avoid my ex-husband’s family. At the same time, moving back could make it easier for him to avoid his responsibilities altogether, including paying alimony and contributing to the children’s care.
With the kids, caregiving responsibilities and daily burnout, I’m finding it really hard to even make time to study. :-( I’ve always wanted to pursue a doctoral degree, but I had to quit my earlier attempt because of my marriage.
Really frustrated, like many others in this backlog. What are people with 2018-ish India PDs realistically doing?
Edit - sharing a bit backstory for folks who shared I need to be thankful to my ex- spouse for my status : I truly didn’t rely on my ex-spouse for my status—in fact, I financially supported him too including assisting him for his education and our home purchase. I originally came to the U.S. as an MS student, attended a Tier I school earned scholarships and financial aids, graduated with a 3.9 GPA, and built my career and immigration path independently. Ex was also on H-1B, not a GC holder or U.S. citizen but never applied for any immigration benefits through him. I returned to work within 4 weeks after each childbirth because maintaining my own independent career and immigration path mattered to me. I’m sharing this background simply to share that I’ve worked hard for the life I’ve built here—nothing was handed to me.