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Journalism of Courage
An Indian content creator, Tanvi Jhansi Rajgarhia, has spoken candidly about her painful decision to leave the United States and move back to India amid rising racism and fears for her safety in New York City.
Sharing her story on Instagram, Rajgarhia revealed that she had reached a breaking point. “So this is the BS I’ve been dealing with, and why I’ve been away for a few months. I’m honestly sick and exhausted of all this, and ready to move on. To the next part of my life. If that’s in India, at least I’ll be happy and not feel like a criminal for just existing,” she wrote.
In a heartfelt video accompanying the post, Rajgarhia explained that she had been creating political comedy content since January, drawing inspiration from her experiences as an immigrant in the US. While her work resonated with many, it also attracted hostility. “As the love grew, so did the hate,” she said, describing how online trolls began tagging US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in her videos, leaving comments like “deport,” and even sending her threats.
‘Every time a policeman went by, my heart would start beating fast’ Despite being in the country legally on an artist visa, Rajgarhia said her identity – “4’11, Brown, a woman immigrant” – made her a target. The fear, she recalled, became constant. “Every time a policeman went by, my heart would start beating fast. If there was a weird knock at night, I would think it’s ICE trying to break down my door.”
Things escalated when someone tried to dox her, which finally pushed her to leave. Doxxing is a form of cyberbullying that involves sharing a person’s sensitive information or records on the internet or other public platforms.
Rajgarhia reflected on how much she had invested to make it to the US, saying she spent eight years in India building a career strong enough to qualify for a visa. “I was successful… but I had to leave, and it really, really sucks that now all of this is over,” she said, adding that the America she once admired “does not exist anymore.”
Even so, she is choosing to move forward with peace. “Maybe it’s okay to leave right now,” Tanvi said, expressing hope that returning home will allow her to feel safe again.
Her post quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of empathy online. A user wrote, “I am so sorry this happened to you! Please, please return when this era is over…!! I wish I could leave during this era but we need to stay & fix this mess they created. Sending hugs and love.”
Another user commented, “I’m sorry to hear that Tanvi. I admire your courage, your views and the way you articulate them. Keep doing what you do, the world needs it more than ever. And keep good care of yourself too my little sister.”
A third person wrote, “Not many people can say they fought hard and came back safe. You can. Humari Sherni.” A fourth individual added, “You’ll be happier in India! I say this as a white American with a young daughter, trying to figure a way out of the US!”
