Drawn by the Ethos of the American Dream

Pooja Mehta

When my parents immigrated to the United States in 1991, they were drawn by the ethos of the American Dream. For my family, that is a promise kept. And that is due not only to the values that my parents brought over from India and instilled in me, but also to the opportunities that America gave to my family. 

Over the last few years, my peers and I have watched conservative-backed policies destroy the circumstances my family benefited from, increasingly moving the American Dream further out of reach for future generations. The Harris-Walz ticket gives me hope, not just because of who they are but what they stand for.

Kamala Harris is the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, and Tim Walz is a teacher from rural Minnesota. Their journeys from modest beginnings to the top of a presidential ticket give me hope that the American Dream is alive and possible. The policies they stand for give me hope that not only can the land of opportunity persevere, but it can expand to include all Americans. 

My parents moved to America knowing that, through hard work, determination, and opportunity, anyone can succeed. This story is one that nearly every American can relate to, whether our families arrived in the 15th century or 15 days ago. 

And by supporting Harris and Walz, it's a story that will endure for generations to come. 

Pooja Mehta is a South Asian Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate who resides in Washington, DC.