Bangladeshi Immigrants' Experiences

Exploring the Experiences of Bangladeshi Immigrants in New York: Success and Failure

Mustafa Sameen & Rafiul Alam Khan

Bangladesh is one of the nations with the greatest population and economic growth, and many of its residents seek for better living abroad. Due to its various communities and abundance of employment options, New York City draws many immigrants from Bangladesh. The success or failure of these immigrants in the city, however, is seldom understood or documented. The purpose of this study is to examine and comprehend the experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in New York and to pinpoint the variables that influence whether they succeed or fail. We chose New York since it has the largest Bangladeshi population in the United States.

Main Objectives:

  1. Investigating the socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds of Bangladeshi immigrants residing in New York City and understanding the challenges faced by them.
  2. Examining the factors, including employment opportunities, language barriers, and cultural differences, that impact the integration of Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City.
  3. Delving into the local Bangladeshi businesses and eateries.

Methodology:

This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences, challenges, and achievements of Bangladeshi immigrants residing in New York City. Qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews and document analysis, will be used to collect and analyze data from both first and second-generation Bangladeshi immigrants. Participants will be selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques, ensuring representation of the target population. Thematic analysis will be employed to identify common patterns and themes in the collected data, while a photo gallery will visually depict participants' experiences for a wider audience. Data collection will take place in Jackson Heights, Queens, and Jamaica, known for their sizable Bangladeshi immigrant populations. Various interview approaches will be employed, addressing topics such as challenges, cultural identity, discrimination, successes, and recommendations. The study holds the potential to enhance understanding of immigrant experiences, benefiting policymakers and service providers working with immigrant communities.

Notable quotes:

01 / 05

"New York City is known as a hub for economic opportunities, attracting immigrants from all over the world."

"Bangladeshi-Americans often actively participate in cultural festivals and religious celebrations to maintain their cultural identity."

"Prejudiced attitudes can lead to individuals facing derogatory remarks, racial slurs, or offensive jokes."

"Immigrants and minority groups may encounter discrimination in the job market."

"He saw it as an opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and pursue his dreams in a country known for its economic opportunities and diverse culture."

Conclusion:

Based on the participants' answers to the research questions, the study concludes that Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City face diverse challenges and experiences. These include difficulties in adjusting to the new environment, language barriers, and discrimination, but also personal achievements, cultural preservation efforts, and support from community networks. The venture to New York City was successful, allowing for data collection from a diverse participant pool and the creation of a photo gallery to visually represent their experiences. The findings contribute to understanding immigrant experiences and can inform policymakers and service providers working with immigrant communities, leading to targeted initiatives and support systems for Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City.

Thanks:

Thank you so much to the Keller Family and the Venture Grant for enabling us to have this experience! Thank you as well to all the local Bengali business in the New York City.