My Journey of Leaving the USA for New Beginnings in the UK

Six months ago, I made what I believe to be one of the best decisions of my life. At the end of June, I resigned from my job in the USA, packed my bags, and moved to the UK. 🌍

Reflections Along the Way

Just a few days ago, while traveling in Switzerland, I came across news that Donald Trump proposed a $100,000 fee for H1B visas. Coupled with tightening F visa regulations that prevent pursuing a second master’s degree, it all seemed absurd. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful that I no longer had to endure such burdens. 🌪️

My decision to leave wasn’t impulsive; it was rather a desperate leap after grappling with identity issues that pushed me to my limits. Looking back, it seems that this was not merely a choice but a response to an era that had impacted my life deeply. What once felt like a small grain of dust had transformed into a sandstorm, engulfing everyone around me.

The Weight of Change

I vividly remember January 2020. The abrupt travel ban forced me to buy a last-minute ticket back to the USA right before the Lunar New Year. My parents, risking being trapped in a lockdown, sent me to the airport. That moment felt like the beginning of the crumbling American Dream. 🇺🇸✈️

Three and a half years later, returning home, I found my younger brother had grown from a 5-foot elementary student to an 6-foot middle schooler. Seeing him transformed gave me a sense of time lost; I promised myself I couldn’t bear another three years without my family. What could be more significant than cherished moments spent with loved ones?

Facing Uncertainty

Later, my dreams shattered further when I didn’t get selected for H1B visa lotteries. Each unsuccessful attempt deepened my sense of disconnection from the country where I had grown to love. On one side was the life I’d become accustomed to, and on the other was the constant fear of losing my identity and facing deportation. 😞

The days spent under CPT were incredibly taxing. Just before my visa expired, I received heartbreaking news about my grandfather’s illness. In a moment of desperation, I decided to risk a trip abroad to renew my visa, telling myself that even if I were checked, I would stay near my family. Yet, the outcome turned out to be worse than I had imagined—I was denied a visa. In that moment, it felt as if everything I had worked for in the last decade was nothing but a dream. 😱

Worrying about my kitten and belongings still left in the US, I prepared my materials and tried once again. Miraculously, I was granted a visa. Nevertheless, the fear of rejection loomed overhead like the sword of Damocles. That rejection had stripped away any illusions, presenting a stark reality: “This is not your country; what you possess here doesn’t truly belong to you.”

Embracing New Horizons

Refusing to remain a passive victim waiting for the inevitable, I started saving money and planning my departure. I didn’t want to relive the humiliation of being forcibly removed again. Moving to the UK, while still a challenge, felt like a fresh start. Here, I find peace. The psychological strain of entering and exiting is much lower, enabling visits home without the anxiety of customs harassment or detention. I no longer have to spend time and money chasing my identity—I can simply enjoy the moments I have, including traveling across Europe! 🇬🇧✨

Conclusion

In this journey, I’ve taken significant steps toward a more fulfilling life, away from the stresses of visa applications and identity fears. It’s essential to remember that sometimes new beginnings, though challenging, pave the way for a brighter future. The story of leaving the USA marks an end and a start of a new chapter full of hope. 🌈