The film, For Here or To Go? begins with an intro from the narrator, who is also the protagonist, describing his own dissatisfaction with the company he’s been employed with for the past several years. The narrator feels limited to what he can accomplish at his job and begins to search for a new one. The opening scene shows the actor Ali Fazal assuming the role of Vivek Pandit, an aspiring Indian tech guy working in Silicon Valley. Pandit is on the cusp of quitting his current job for a start-up, until his soon-to-be-employers let him know they can no longer hire him because his work visa is set to expire within a year. Pandit is soon at the mercy of the company he works for as they are the only ones who can extend his work visa. As the film goes on, we realize that this does not happen. For Here or To Go? is a fusion between Indian and American culture with a message that is relatable to many other backgrounds. The main problem that the protagonist faces is not the lack of opportunity in America, but rather the restraints of the work visa.

As the film moves forward, we are introduced to Pandit’s Indian friends. His friends are in a similar situation to him since none of them are permanent residents. From his friends, we see deeper perspectives into the complexities of gaining residency. One friend, who is also his coworker, has been waiting for his residency card for more than 6 years. Another roommate returns to India early in the film to get his visa renewed, but later discovers that he is not able to go back to their Silicon Valley apartment. Upon receiving this news, he gets in contact with the protagonist and explains his frustration as a foreign worker who feels unwanted. While this friend is away, another friend takes his place in the house. He holds a more optimistic perspective. It is interesting to see three different perspectives through Pandit’s friends: the story of a man unable to return, another eagerly waiting for a residency after 6 years, and a passport-holding optimist who has not yet endured the rifts of the system as the other two have.

Throughout the film, the frustration with the system is repeatedly portrayed. This is symbolized by the presence and/or absence of couches in the house. In the beginning of the film, there is no furniture in the apartment. This is because Pandit and his roommates refuse to spend money on something they may have to sell later in case they are forced back to India. As the film climaxes, one of the long-awaited roommates receives his residency card. It is at this moment when couches are finally brought into the apartment.

Pandit’s temporary status as a foreign worker not only affects his career, it also affects his love life. After meeting a girl with roots from South India, their relationship progresses until the protagonist admits to her his dilemma. The soon-to-expire visa forces her to realize that she does not want to commit to someone who may be forced back to India. Pandit has built a life for himself in northern California but the instability caused by the inability to legally work is destined to ruin everything he’s ever worked for.

There are many acknowledgements throughout the film to being South Indian or North Indian. This is similar to the United States’ historical differences and distinctions between the northern and the southern states. Just like how northerners in the U.S. are known for being fast-paced and southerners are known for being nice, the northern and southern states in India also differentiate themselves from each other. However, they don’t just identify with certain characteristics, the northern and southern regions seem to take it further and knock each other down, often attacking each other’s personalities and using stereotypes based on roots and backgrounds.

The reoccurring question throughout the film is: Why stay in a country who doesn’t want you? Pandit and his long-time coworker have been living there for many years, but their temporary status reinforces a sense of worthlessness and brings about a bitterness towards America bureaucracy. The process to extend the work visa is difficult. They don’t feel like they are wanted. Throughout the film, references to the attacks that occurred in New York City in 2001 are mentioned as being a turning point for many. The event caused the harassment and death of many innocent Muslims across the United States. Many Indians were attacked too, especially Sikhs whom are known to wear a Dastar or a Turban. The answer to this question is that most immigrants have built their lives in the country. They’ve built businesses and raised families. The country has become their home.

I’ve learned from the film that the process to become a permanent resident is a long and frustrating journey. Their hopes and dreams rely on a piece of paper, a paper that opens up a whole world with endless possibilities. The system could be improved. They system doesn’t show that the U.S. wants anyone coming in since it moves so slowly. We can appreciate being a citizen because we don’t have to worry about having an education, finding a job, or if we will have to be deported any day. We are not restricted. If we apply for a job, it will be our qualifications that deny us, not our residency status.

 

 

 

Trautmann, Thomas R. 2016. India: Brief history of a civilization. Second ed. New York: Oxford University Press.