By Kabita Das
America has always housed immigrants. In the recent weeks of Trump’s presidency, one of the most controversial policies was the executive order on immigration, or the “travel ban.” As many travelers were consequently held at bay, protests gathered across America to refute his action.
Subrata Das, with a masters in Mathematics and a PhD in Computer Science, is the founder of his own business built on a program he designed, and teaches part time at several schools. Originally from India, he moved to Edinburgh and London before making his way to the United States, already having tremendous achievements under his belt. I interviewed him, an immigrant who moved to Boston two decades ago, curious to understand what his thoughts are on the current controversy.
Why did you choose to move to America?
We moved from Britain as you know — we chose because of better opportunities.
Better opportunities in what?
Better opportunities in my area of research and development and job opportunities. Also I think America as a society is more welcoming to immigrants.
How so?
Well, one of the reasons is because most of the people here are immigrants — first, second, or third generation. So they all understand each other, and I think that’s one of the reasons.
Do you think that the feeling of being welcomed has changed since you’ve gotten here? From the time that you moved here to how it feels now?
Not really, maybe perhaps very recently, the last few months, but I don’t think it has changed. From the perspective of the community that I interact with, for example, my neighbors, my colleagues at work, from that perspective, I don’t see anything has changed, really.
Do you think it’s important to prioritize based on skill?
It is normal and arguably correct for a country to prioritize, but it’s a completely different matter when you’re talking about asylum or political refugees.
How do you think it changes?
Because then you’re comparing the qualified individual to someone who desperately needs help. It’s a question of humanity, it’s a question of saving lives, so yes, you need to give equal importance or even sometimes more importance to those in genuine political asylum.
So what was your initial response to Trump’s executive order?
I think it was in a haste. I don’t think they should ban those who have visas and are green card holders. First of all, I’m not sure you can ban the whole country because a country constitutes bad and good individuals — mostly good, a few bad. I wasn’t quite sure, I’m definitely not in favor. It’s like, what do you call, throwing baby with the bath water. So I was not too enthused about the ban. I understand the need but you cannot ban and ban individuals with valid reasons to be traveling. Suppose you came here as a student with valid reason, you’re in the middle of your PhD, then you went back to see your family, and then you are suddenly told that you cannot come in, in the middle of your education.
How do you respond to the way the media responded to that?
The media has a very important role here because through media, people know what’s going on in various parts of the country about demonstrations. So they should objectively report everything. And sometimes they have to be subjective as well, they can guide mass individuals and can influence. So I think the media played a good part in mobilizing people to protest and as a result the ban was interrupted, obviously.
How do you think your being an immigrant impacts the way that you see Trump’s executive order?
You know, I’m in Boston and it’s very difficult to feel differently obviously because it’s a very liberal state, but first of all because of this executive order I’ll be seen differently. You know, I haven’t faced anything yet, but it’s only a matter of time before you face some kind of racial insult. I think people who are racists or head of specific religions, they have a voice now and they will be more vocal. So I can imagine that if I’m traveling to more rural parts of this country all by myself, I can see that I’d face some kind of insults. So mentally you become aware.
It’s always important to cultivate the opinions of those who have immigrated and experienced the executive order first hand. Das reminds us that it’s important to be vigilant of change and its consequential impact on our lives.
Photography by Kabita Das