Ashley Lee graduated from the University of Washington and now lives and works in Redmond. She sees herself gaining several years of experience in the U.S. through an H1-B visa before going back to Taiwan where her family and boyfriend reside. (Charissa Soriano / Special to The Seattle Times)
Seeking an H-1B Visa in Seattle Is a Trial
Of Luck, Strategy, and Hope: A photo essay that
I made in collaboration with The Seattle Times.
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I interviewed and photographed five international students, particularly Asian women like me, who had sought the H-1B visa so they could continue living and working in the U.S. I also shared my own journey to give context to the story.
Since getting laid off in January, Charissa Soriano has been using her time to acquire new skills in visual storytelling. She aspires to be a documentary photographer. Her cat, Luna, watches as she works on a collage. (Charissa Soriano / Special to The Seattle Times)
An excerpt from what I wrote about my experience with the H-1B visa process:
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"In the five years I’ve been in Seattle, I’ve lived in four different neighborhoods and explored more whenever I walked or took public transit. I’ve celebrated five birthdays, including my recent big three-zero. It can be a struggle to be an international student, but I’ve lived a fruitful life with my cat, Luna, and my partner, Michael. We play at home, we travel to new places, and we create indelible memories together with our beloved families and friends. It’s why I haven’t given up the fight toward a life in the U.S. where I’m free to work in any space without worrying about my legal status."
Read more here.