Hearts Suspended: A Documentary Film About H4 Dependent Spouses
Meghna Damani, film-maker, Shivali Shah, immigration attorney, and Urjasi Rudra of the Heller School of Social Policy and Management were panelists on April 1, 2008 at Brandeis University at an event called America’s Ambivalent Open Arms. The documentary film Hearts Suspended, produced by Meghna Damani, was shown and a discussion of H4 dependent visas followed. Seven women from Saheli, Support and Friendship for South Asian Women participated in the event. Hearts Suspended is a very moving portrayal of how highly educated South Asian women struggle to survive in the US on their H4 or dependent spouse visas. These visas deny women the opportunity to work and be creative, productive members of society. The documentary is autobiographical and Meghna Damani lived through some of the experiences of loneliness, depression, loss of self-worth, strained marital relationships and in some instances- domestic violence and abuse.
Through a unique expressionistic combination of monologue, visuals, interviews and music, Meghna takes the viewer on a journey into the inner turmoil, search for spiritual strength and eventual resolve, to bring hope to women on the H4 visas. A discussion following the showing of the movie touched on political action, building coalitions, seeking Congressional support in an effort to bring changes to the H4 visa. Shivali Shah and Deirdre Giblin, immigration attorneys spoke about the enormous difficulties one faces in making changes to the very limited number of H1 visas available and the difficult process of obtaining alternative kinds of visas. Ramona Olivera spoke about H2, unskilled worker’s visas and Kelley Ready was moderator. In the meantime, organizations such as Saheli, are an important resource for H4 dependent spouses to get support and friendship, volunteer opportunities, and connect with a large community of women who are social activists. Saheli invites all women to work together to bring about changes in the H4 visa system. Information about Saheli can be found at www.saheliboston.org.
|
