Sofia Ahsanuddin
So what’s been the most challenging aspect of living here as an immigrant?
“I think the most challenging aspect is always feeling like you have to do more to prove yourself and to prove to people that there’s a reason why you’re here and that you’re contributing to the society just like everyone else is. I think that there’s so much increased skepticism and scrutiny of immigrants and Muslims, two of many groups that are not being perceived well. It’s unfortunate that one person, or a group of people, have such a monopoly on the way my community is viewed in India and the United States as well.”
Are there any resources you wish you had to make the transition or your time here easier?
“I think I’ve had many blessings and I’ve had many opportunities. I have been given many opportunities throughout my life and I’m very grateful and blessed to have had that. But I think that in terms of facing some of the racism, discrimination, and stereotypes that people have about people from my faith, it can be challenging if they’re not prepared to deal with that. Since I’m based in NYC and I’ve lived my whole life in NYC, I grew very much accustomed to living in an environment that constantly exposes me to different world views, cultures, and backgrounds, which was very good for me. If I could change one thing about my upbringing, in terms of support, it would have been access to role models who were Muslim women. Women who were older immigrants and went through the same things that I went through, and who could coach me through that, because I had to learn things on my own and learn how to deal with these challenges on my own. If I had access to a support network of older people who went through these challenges and knew how to navigate the system, that would’ve been more beneficial.”
