Indian international students enrich American society by sharing their diverse cultural heritage—through cuisine, festivals, fashion, and more—while balancing assimilation with a desire to preserve their cultural roots. The process of cultural adaptation often involves a tension between embracing new values and traditions while protecting one’s native language and customs. This struggle has been exacerbated by xenophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric, especially post-9/11. Such narratives have led to an ongoing challenge for international students to navigate their identity within a host society that often views them through the lens of stereotypes. These issues are further complicated by global political tensions and rising anti-immigrant sentiments, which threaten the space for meaningful integration.

In response to these challenges, the United Nations set out the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, calling for the reduction of inequalities and a vision for peace and prosperity by 2030. A key aspect of this effort involves addressing structural barriers and dismantling hierarchical systems that hinder the full participation of immigrant communities, particularly in educational and professional environments. This research will explore immigration policies, the resistance to assimilation, and strategies to overcome cultural and bureaucratic obstacles, aiming to create a more inclusive, equitable space for international students.

This inquiry is especially timely in light of recent developments in U.S.-India relations, such as the creation of the Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism, a partnership designed to foster cooperation between industry, academia, and government. As global partners, the U.S. and India are united in their shared vision for democratic collaboration and innovation. However, for Indian design students, this vision must extend beyond economic and scientific collaboration to include social and cultural inclusion within U.S. institutions. As a result, the research creates a repository that uses storytelling to map the immigration journey of Indian students in the U.S., highlighting employability issues, trends, and key challenges they face.

Keywords: Education, Cultural Diversity, Multicultural Inclusion, Trends.