Deconstructing the Dream: An International Architect's Struggle in America

Redlines

A warning for our listeners, in this episode we discuss sexual misconduct in the workplace and uncomfortable scenarios in a professional setting. We want you to know this in advance, and please take care when listening to this episode.

In this episode of Redlines, Jake and Erin speak with Lara (name changed for confidentiality), an international architecture student who shares her deeply challenging journey to practice architecture in the United States.

Laura recounts the bureaucratic hurdles, lack of university support, exploitation, and visa struggles she faced despite her dedication and hard work. Her story shines a light on the systemic barriers and abuses that isolate many international architects.

Despite doing everything right - researching programs, securing internships, and excelling academically - Laura hit roadblock after roadblock. The university created extra visa requirements beyond government rules, provided no clear answers, and seemed more interested in extracting tuition fees than supporting students.

Then, at her first job, Laura experienced sexual misconduct from a partner but felt unable to report it for fear of jeopardizing her visa status. The numerous visa deadlines and lotteries added tremendous stress.

After years of perseverance, Laura was forced to make a difficult decision during the pandemic before she was finally able to restart her career.

Top 5 Takeaways:

• International architecture students face immense systemic barriers and exploitation when trying to practice in the U.S.
• Universities often provide inadequate support and may create extra bureaucratic visa hurdles to extend tuition payments.
• Visa requirements and lotteries create persistent stress and instability for international architects.
• Fear of losing visa status makes international architects more vulnerable to misconduct and abuse.
• The U.S. immigration system fails to retain talented, hardworking international architects.

Quotes:

“I remember it's very late at night and the team wanted to grab a drink. This partner offered to drive me home, and I could not even come up with enough excuses to deter their advances until one of my coworkers jumped in and be like, okay, let's go. Our Uber is here. And I have never felt so utterly helpless where I am reliant on the pity of others to be saved."

"I remember getting that email and it was essentially, you're great. We did like your work. However, we have projects, somebody needs to work on it. And as much as we empathize and understand your situation, our hands are tied as well."

Relevant Links:

• Equal Rights Guide: https://www.equalrights.org/issue/economic-workplace-equality/sexual-harassment/
• RAINN 24/7 Helpline for Sexual Assault: https://www.rainn.org/resources
• Curricular Practical Training Information: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/CurricularPracticalTraining.pdf
• Out of Architecture website: https://www.outofarchitecture.com
• Information on becoming an Out of Architecture Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/outofarchitecture

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