It's day two of you living in the US, and after a relaxing sleep you get out to explore the city and try new food. You enter a restaurant, get into the ordering queue and when your turn comes up the server asks you "For Here or To Go?".  For your day two, it might seem a regular thing, but in the months that follow, you come to realize that this seemingly ordinary choice carries a much deeper significance.

Every year thousands of people from different countries move to the US for education, work or just for a better life among other reasons. Sooner or later, most people at least once question themselves "Are they really for here forever, or here for some time just to go back to their own country someday?".

Often hailed as the land of opportunities, living in America as a foreign national is more than just exploring new things; it's like a complicated dance between what we hope for and the detailed real-life experiences that make up the life in the US.

As one settles down into the rhythm of American life, sooner or later they start seeing the not-so-easy aspects too that add depth to the story. The scary reality of mass shootings, the intricate challenges of healthcare access, the uncertainties of the immigration process, and the individualistic, occasionally isolating culture are elements inherent in the American experience.

After spending little over four years in the US, I reflected upon my journey. It's neither about finding faults, and nor about comparing one country to another. Instead, it's like exploring the mix of good opportunities and the challenging moments that come with chasing the American Dream - a journey that brings both promise and shadows.

This reflection led me to a personal decision, and I decided to move back to India. The things I learnt and the experiences I had in the US have become important parts of my life giving me a perspective that goes beyond borders.

This is not a dismissal of the American Dream but an acknowledgement of its complexity and the fact that it is not for everyone. The question asked at the restaurant - "For Here or To Go?" goes beyond just ordering food; it makes you think about your journey. It makes you wonder if you're really planning to stay here for a long time or if your story will eventually take you back to your home country. Essentially, it's a journey beyond the surface - an exploration of the different aspects that shape the stories of people who choose to call the United States their temporary or permanent home.