My American Dream: From Tech Professional to Community Advocate

By Jaskaran Singh Sarao

I arrived in the United States nearly two decades ago on an H‑1B visa, chasing what so many before me had sought — the American Dream. Over the years, I worked hard to build my career in technology, invested in a small real estate business, and eventually became a proud U.S. citizen. Today, my wife Manpreet and I are raising two wonderful teenage boys here in Bellevue, Washington.

I believe in equality and justice for all. The Constitution of the United States grants us freedom and the pursuit of happiness — ideals that are rare and precious in this world. Having been born outside of this country, I know firsthand that the freedoms enjoyed here are unmatched. Many who are born and raised in America may not realize how truly blessed they are, and sometimes take these freedoms for granted. I became a citizen by choice, and I am deeply aware that with rights also come responsibilities — to our communities, to our laws, and to one another.

But my journey took an unexpected turn when I faced a painful example of a broken system. One of my tenants stopped paying rent — not for a few months, but for years — and yet I couldn’t evict them. Legal loopholes had tied my hands. As a small landlord with a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance to pay, I felt abandoned by a system that seemed to protect those who exploited it instead of those who followed the law.

I reached out to every elected official I could. Each conversation ended with the same words: “I’m sorry this happened to you.” Sorry wasn’t enough.

Frustrated, I decided to take a stand. I organized a peaceful protest outside the house that I owned where the tenant refused to leave to shine a light on what I saw as a deep injustice. To my surprise, the demonstration attracted national and even international attention. I soon learned I was not alone — countless mom-and-pop landlords and immigrants across the country were facing similar struggles, yet their voices went unheard.

As immigrants, many of us are taught to keep our heads down. But through this experience, I realized that silence only keeps the broken cycle going. We have to stand up and make our voices count.

Giving back has always been central to my life, shaped by my Sikh faith’s principles of justice and service. I’ve had the privilege of chairing the Bellevue Human Services Commission, coaching kids in sports and scouts, and even starting our neighborhood’s annual 4th of July celebration.

What happened to me pushed me further — into public service. In 2024, I decided to run for Washington State Senate. My campaign focused on fair housing policies, stronger public safety, and improving public education — issues I believe are essential to keeping the American Dream alive for everyone.

Running for office was never my original plan, but staying silent was no longer an option. Since I began speaking out, I’ve seen others in our immigrant community step forward to lead, to run for office, and to demand change.

I still believe in the American Dream. But it’s not something that happens automatically. It’s up to us — all of us — to ensure it’s fair, attainable, and meaningful for everyone, not just a select few. Join me in sustaining the American Dream by speaking out against unjust policies so that America and its people can thrive.  To learn more about stories like mine as well as opportunities to influence policy to preserve the American Dream, please follow Future 42 on X and Facebook.