In 2008, Shahrika immigrated here to the U.S. from Bangladesh when she was five. Her family moved here to seek better opportunities and because they won the DV Lottery. The DV Lottery is where you take an interview to see if you qualify for a VISA. Shahrika said, “It was great coming here. I got to ride in a plane, see tall buildings for the first time.” However, not everything was luxurious. Shahrika had a hard time adjusting to life in the U.S. She couldn't speak English which was very difficult. Although, she did have a special object that would help cheer her up and that’s her necklace. It was given to her at birth and it always reminds her of her home back in Bangladesh. However, the necklace also means a lot to her family too because it's a tradition that every Hindu newborn receives a golden necklace or bracelet. Her necklace is gold with a heart that has a “T” in the middle which symbolizes the first letter of her last name. Shahrika’s immigration story tells us why it's important to share stories. Today immigration is a controversial topic and people need to do their research to learn more. That's why we share stories, so we can learn more about immigrants and not assume that they’re lawbreaking immigrants, which most people despise. But, it’s also important to share stories because it shows how this country was made of immigrants. Thanks to them, that’s why the U.S. is very multicultural.     

– Emma Aguilar

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child