Hearts Suspended - Trailer

Hearts Suspended is a short autobiographical documentary that reveals how highly educated South Asian immigrant women struggle to survive in the United States on their H4 or dependent spouse visas, which deny them work authorization. Once independent, now completely dependent, they face loneliness, depression, loss of self-identity, strained marital relations and - in extreme cases - exploitation and abuse. Through a unique expressionistic combination of visuals, monologue, verite footage and interviews, the film takes us on a journey into the director inner turmoil's, search for spiritual strength and eventual resolve to bring hope and political change for other women who are frozen in time because of the restrictive nature of this visa.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Human Rights
• Women
• Employment
• Immigration
• Spirituality
• Nichiren Buddhism
• Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
• Asian
• Indian
• USA
• H1
• Visa

[meghnadamani]

Thank you so much for your sensitive comment. Yes this issue continues to be a pressing problem. In my case, I am fortunate to have a supportive husband, but many women on this visa are in abusive relationships. I am determined to continue spreading the word till there is a change. Thank you once again.

[talkingmirror]

Thanks Meghana for taking the first step for us and giving voice to the plight of so many other women in this sad situation..especially where you showed how husbands behave unreasonably and condescendingly with their wives cos they think 'where is she going to go anyway' heck she can't even drive..she's reduced to a nobody with no identity in this country.I'm proud of you for deciding not to take any drastic decisions cos you have to live on to spread the message and be a beacon of hope for us

[alaivani]

This issue of H4 dependents spans across nationalities. It is a pressing problem. I want to understand it better so I can coach people through this process, even while deciding to marry a spouse already situated in the US. It's good to see comments of husbands also in this forum. This is a serious issue that needs to be openly and frankly discussed before marriage.

[hastins]

Amazing documentary.

I'm single... about to get married (i.e, bring a wife from India) and always worry about this issue.

Though, towards to end, I was looking for a conclusion/moral/solution, as might have many others. But I assume the purpose is just to open everyone's eyes to this issue.

Great job overall.

[upperpalli]

Great Job!! Since we came to the US, my wife always wondered why there is so much loneliness and incomplete feeling although we live in a super country. I guess the system is not feasible for dependents here.

[poonamppatel]

This video has touched my heart. It is my own story so I am able to relate this to my life. H4 visa makes the well-educated and career-oriented wives lose their identity, totally..That doesn't only affect women's mental and moral but also on married life. When I came to USA, I thought I would get work permit easily and due to lottery system, I am still hoping that I will get H1b someday..still, do not know when that 'Someday' will come...

Well...very good job, Meghana. Keep it up.