Preface
All first generation immigrants to the USA pass through a very unique experience by living in two contradictory coexisting worlds. For the first few years they dream about saving money and returning back to their homeland with the newfound wealth to live happily ever after. However upon the first return visit to their country of origin, the rationale for migration becomes more defined. The hope of a final return and retirement in their so-called homeland lingers on for a few more years and within a decade of living in the USA the decision to stay becomes final.
This is collection of my experiences in the USA and reflection of hopes, dreams, observations and challenges that face immigrants from the South Asian region. It is indeed very difficult to adjust, adopt and assimilate in the culture of mainstream America.
Introduction by Dr. Hafeez Malik
Like an oracle of Delphi Nasim Hassan has delivered twenty five orations on a variety of subjects including the United States, Pakistan, and significantly his follow Pakistani-Americans. Although Nasim is a technical professional but his Delphic orations crafted over a fairly extensive period of time make him sound like a trained social scientist. He has by no means crafted his insights with the intellectual tools of modern social sciences, not even elementary statistics, which laymen can understand. Yet his observations are in harmony with the modern social scientists’ investigations. This is indeed a compliment to Nasim Hassan’s intellectual sharpness and maturity.
The core issue which concerns all Pakistanis is their social and cultural identity in the United States.
Book Review by Dr. Naveed Baqir
Nasim provides an insight into existential crises that many first generation immigrants experience when they arrive in the US. They can hardly give up their love for the homeland. An admiration for the American values keeps the hope alive for a better future in their homelands.
Book Review by Hina Haq
“An American Experience” is an engaging book that draws the reader into the thought processes and mores of the South Asian immigrant community in the US. The author, Nasim Hassan, offers plenty of insights into the ongoing process of coming of age in America for the South Asian community based upon personal observation.