ONE FOOT IN - STORIES OF EXPAT WOMEN IN AMERICA

“One Foot In: Stories of Expat Women in America” is a documentary about the challenges immigrant women face when they want to build a career in the United States. There are different Visas that allow foreigners to work in the U.S., but few people know about the gender bias behind the immigration laws. The film’s narrative unfolds through five storylines that explain the specific challenges faced by two dependent wives, a female student, a foreign mother of American citizens, and a wannabe female entrepreneur. Expert opinions and data analysis contribute to creating the clear picture of the gender bias of the laws. Most of the H1B are granted to STEM industry workers—only 30% of H1B Visas go to women. Many expat women come to the U.S. as spouses of H1B holders, they are allowed to stay, but they cannot work—even if they want to launch their own business and create new jobs for Americans, they are not given a chance. Foreign mothers of American children aren’t allowed to work either—many of them have an excellent education and have a lot to offer American companies thanks to their international perspective and experience. The situation is not easier for female students looking for an H1B sponsor. AMERICA IS LOSING TALENT. The five brave women in the documentary open up and talk about their struggles and launch a powerful message to authorities asking them to keep them more into consideration. Gender bias is a well known global issue, but these women have to deal with multiple prejudices starting from their gender and ending with their condition of immigrants in a country where the latter are often seen as job stealers. The film wants to change the dialogue and create an impact.

UN WOMEN - San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

This video was done to support the UN International campaign HeforShe. San Francisco was the birthplace of the United Nations, so Amy Logan (the President of the Chapter) and Nati Oron (Vice-President) are proud to announce the first event in the city in April 2016. Many men support women, and it is time to shine a spotlight on these great guys and show them some love. Thanks to this event I had the chance to meet many immigrant women. Chiara Townley, the writer of the proposed project about the gender bias of the U.S. immigration laws, also collaborated with us to organize the event.