End of 2023- Message from Sanjay

2023 was a year of unexpected journeys, for me and Rahul at Area 51 and for everyone who shared their immigration stories with us.

Area 51 has reached incredible milestones - resonating with audiences across 6 continents, 28 countries, and amassing over 5,000 downloads in just one year!

The seed for Area 51 was planted during countless conversations between Rahul and myself, where we often found ourselves engrossed in discussions about the U.S. immigration system - a path we both are navigating. We realized our insights could illuminate this complex journey for others. The immigrant journey in the United States is an arduous one, that is rife with complexities that may seem unsurmountable at times, and we wanted to make it a little less so in a way of our own.

As 2023 draws to a close, a poignant thought from Abraham Lincoln, one of my favorite presidents, resonates with me. During his address at the Sanitary Fair in 1864, Lincoln observed: 'The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word, we do not all mean the same thing.' This sentiment strikingly parallels the experiences of immigrants navigating the U.S. system today.

This year, we delved into powerful narratives, like Vidyut Latay's film 'Alien', which casts light on the dizzying challenges faced by immigrants. We also discussed the stark reality with Balaji Srinivas and Manisha Gowda, whose experiences starkly contrast the ideals the U.S. stands for.

Our episode with Hemant Gangolia, an accomplished startup founder, underscores the invaluable contributions immigrants make to the U.S., despite the daunting complexities of the immigration system.

And we saw how folks like Steven Brown & Jonathan Wasden are fighting the good fight to help people navigate and become a part of the American fabric.

This journey of ours has only been possible by the overwhelming support and engagement of our audience, well-wishers and contributors. Your stories and insights are the heartbeat of our podcast.

As we step into 2024, we're excited to explore new dimensions and share more untold stories. If you have a story that needs to be heard, we welcome you to reach out through our website in the link below. Let's continue to shed light on the paths to freedom and opportunity in the U.S. immigration system.

Wishing everyone a 2024 brimming with love, growth, and fulfillment. Stay tuned for more from Area 51 – where every immigrant story matters!