The Bitter Truth Behind Kenyans' Pursuit of the America Dream

The Bitter Truth Behind Kenyans' Pursuit of the America Dream

The United States has long held the allure of boundless opportunity, attracting millions to pursue the American Dream.

However, the reality for aspiring immigrants presents both the promise of a better life and the hidden unforeseen challenges. The initial steps towards this dream, frequently taken through visitor visas, are fraught with limitations and bureaucratic hurdles. The transition from one visa category to another is far from a simple formality; it necessitates navigating a complicated legal system, a process that can stretch into years. Once established, achieving financial security in America necessitates an unwavering dedication of time and effort.

The American Dream, while attainable, is not an effortless gift. Individuals must be prepared to persevere and work smart in building a brighter future. However, within this relentless pursuit of success lies a delicate balancing act that requires harmonizing professional aspirations with the responsibilities of family life. The fast pace of American life often presents a significant obstacle to maintaining strong and meaningful connections with loved ones, particularly children.

Demanding work schedules and strict obligations can leave little room for quality time with family, potentially leading to emotional disconnection and strained relationships. Parents can find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of work, desperately struggling to carve out precious moments of intimacy and understanding with their children. The ramifications of this disconnect are far-reaching, impacting not only the strength of familial bonds but also the emotional well-being and development of the younger generation.

For many educated Kenyans and accomplished professionals in their homeland, the pursuit of the American Dream is often marred by a disheartening reality. The inability to seamlessly transfer their expertise and credentials to the American job market presents a challenging obstacle, forcing them to forgo their original careers and instead accept low-skilled, low-paying positions to generate a steady income. This abrupt shift from esteemed professions to menial work can inflict a profound sense of devaluation and erosion of self-worth.

The consequences of this predicament extend far beyond the immediate loss of professional identity. Over time, the limited earning potential of these entry-level jobs may hinder their ability to secure a financially stable future, impeding their capacity to save for retirement or their children's education. Compounding this challenge is the realization that many may not fully comprehend diligent financial planning, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

Moreover, the difficult process of integrating into a new culture and society also poses a challenge. Navigating a foreign way of life, with its unique norms, customs, and societal expectations, can be a daunting endeavour. This cultural dissonance can deepen the sense of displacement and alienation, further compounding the emotional and psychological toll experienced by many Kenyan immigrants. US-based Kenyan Essie Wakago believes that despite the inherent hustle and bustle of American life, it is imperative to prioritize self-reflection and personal growth.

Comments

MLACHAKE (not verified)     Fri, 04/05/2024 @ 04:00pm

What they call the American Dream is a nice sounding euphemism & trap for capitalism gone berserk. It’s cleverly designed to ensnare all and sundry into a mad rush for material goods - big houses in nice neighborhoods, posh cars, expensive vacations etc. Millions of people, both immigrants & citizens, have fallen into the trap hook, line & sinker & find themselves working donkey hours for years, slaving to achieve it as they enrich the 1% owners of capital at the top. One has to be exceptionally wise to avoid finding themselves in this hole - only a very small minority of people understand this very deceptive system

AbolishTheOffi… (not verified)     Sat, 04/06/2024 @ 04:47am

In reply to by MLACHAKE (not verified)

For some people card and property is the American dream.

For others it is freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of living their life they way they want.

Not everyone goes to America & the west to look for money.

Formerlyguest 2 (not verified)     Mon, 04/08/2024 @ 02:04pm

In reply to by AbolishTheOffi… (not verified)

@abolish - 100% I have met people from Afghan and other conflict/war torn countries, just taking a walk in the park without being threatened is an American Dream. It does not always have to be how much wealth one can accumulate or be in top tier of the society.

Formerlyguest 2 (not verified)     Mon, 04/08/2024 @ 02:00pm

In reply to by MLACHAKE (not verified)

You mean my white picket fence house is not an American dream? at least I can live in it w/o concrete fence and barbed wires surroundings ha ha. On a serious note, everyone has their unique experience and relationship with their money and living in a large house and driving a good car might be for some and do not mind slaving away. I cant judge what someone perception of an American Dream is .

Gilbert Masitsa (not verified)     Fri, 04/05/2024 @ 07:40pm

While NIGERIAns (and Other AFRICAn Communities) are True FRIENDs and Communities among Themselves, KENYAns are ENEMIES and Antagonists among Themselves abroad.
⚠KENYAns (especially LUHYAs) are the True translation of "Satan" into "Swahili: Mbwa!
*LUHYAs (for Example) are the Epitomes of Chuki, Wivu, Kinyongo, Sumu, maUaji, na maKadhalika in America.

AbolishTheOffi… (not verified)     Sat, 04/06/2024 @ 04:45am

“American Dream” is what you want it to be, it is not just a place to seek financial freedom.

For some people it is a job hunting expedition.

For others it is the ability to live in a country where you can criticize the government without going to jail.

Mark (not verified)     Mon, 04/08/2024 @ 07:52am

In reply to by AbolishTheOffi… (not verified)

And America is a place you don’t have to build a 12 foot tall stone wall fence around your house to keep the unwanted thugs from coming through the windows, etc. You can enjoy living in America if you are fiscally prudent and you are saving your money instead of wasting it on silly crap..

Seneca (not verified)     Sat, 04/06/2024 @ 08:13am

One has to take time and understand America. A lot of people get excited by the pull of material things: big house, big car and before they know it, and coming from scarcity, they are in a vicious rat race. Is it the rats winning?

First, be clear headed and seek information. Our people suffer because they lack knowledge

Clifton (not verified)     Mon, 04/08/2024 @ 08:22am

In reply to by Seneca (not verified)

@seneca, what is wrong with a big house, a big car plus a lot of big pussies? People buy what they can afford! You won’t find a new comer buying all those big things they cannot afford, except a drunk pussy which cost a lot beers! That is where the main rat race is because every body (mostly women) wants to be laid to relief the pressures of life…..

Tafsiri hii (not verified)     Sun, 04/07/2024 @ 11:04am

You just read my feelings about these United States! Once you arrives in its shores you get programmed like a TV remote to provide never ending services to the Americans. It another form of incentivized Slavery that is mentally blinding. You get close to retirement age and boom!your lonely mind awaken and heath issues comes knocking..a catch 22 reality!

Rhino (not verified)     Sun, 04/07/2024 @ 10:08pm

Success for most pp is material things which can be a trap esp for immigrants as they work hard jobs, long hours at the expense of quality of life. At the same time helping a large extended family. It's like having two wives each with a set of kids on both sides of the Atlantic. From najivunia to naumia kuwa mkenya marekani. But there's lights at the beginning and end of the tunnel. Know that success means more than material. U need great health post retirement

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