I came in as a legal immigrant. My dad came first. We had to wait about a year.

In this quote, Shiva Ayyadurai reflects on his experience as a legal immigrant to the United States. He mentions that his father was the first to immigrate, and that their family had to wait for about a year before they were able to join him. Ayyadurai’s story highlights the immigration process, emphasizing that his family followed the proper legal channels, which involved waiting for approval and fulfilling the necessary requirements to enter the U.S. legally.

Ayyadurai's reference to the waiting period underscores the patience and rigor often required in legal immigration procedures. Unlike individuals who might enter the country through illegal means, he reflects on the deliberate process that legal immigrants must undergo, often waiting for approvals and working through bureaucracy before gaining entry. His personal experience is a reminder of the challenges and time involved in the legal immigration system.

The mention of his father coming first suggests that Ayyadurai’s family likely followed the traditional route of family reunification, a common form of legal immigration. This process involves one family member establishing themselves in the country and then sponsoring the rest of their family to join them, which can take time and patience, as Ayyadurai’s quote shows.

Ultimately, Ayyadurai’s statement emphasizes the legitimacy of his own immigrant experience, highlighting that his family respected the legal process of immigration and adhered to the waiting period required. It reflects the broader experience of many legal immigrants who go through a structured, sometimes lengthy, process to join family members and build a new life in the United States.