What does it mean to belong in America without proving your worth? Why are immigrants still expected to be extraordinary just to be seen as enough? And what happens when we stop performing successfully and simply allow ourselves to be human? In this deeply resonant conversation, host Saadia Khan is joined by Bilal Lakhani, Pakistani-American journalist, writer, and host of the podcast pehchaan, to explore identity, home, immigrant guilt, and the often-unspoken emotional cost of leaving the place you love. Bilal shares how moving from Karachi to the United States led to clinical depression, why raising his daughter changed his understanding of belonging, and how many immigrants internalize the belief that they must achieve in order to deserve space in America. The episode unpacks The pressure on immigrants to be extraordinary rather than ordinary humans Why do many naturalized citizens hesitate to call themselves "immigrants?” Why pauses, joy, and rest are a form of quiet protest The evolving future of Pakistani-American identity and representation Whether you identify as an immigrant, first-gen, third-culture kid, or simply someone trying to understand your place in the world, this conversation offers language, community, and comfort. Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can find more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on IG @itssaadiak Email:
[email protected] Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly Podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, contact us at
[email protected] Want to go deeper into your own pehchaan? Download Belong on Your Own Terms, the app helping immigrants, first-gen, and third-culture kids reclaim belonging on their own terms. link below studio.com/saadia/belong-app Don't forget to subscribe to Immigrantly Uninterrupted for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
