CAREGIVING AND CARE RECEIVING AMONG ASIAN INDIAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE USA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ABSTRACT This study examines the intersection of wellbeing and care experienced by first-generation Asian Indian high-skilled immigrants in the USA in spaces varying from the home to the neighborhood, city, and state in sending and receiving countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The spread of COVID-19 resulted in new stressors that affected the physical, mental, and emotional health of interviewees, but many found ways to mitigate the effects of the pandemic through reconfigured care giving and receiving practices. Findings indicate that wellbeing of self and immediate family members, and transnational care for aging relatives, along with state and self-imposed social isolation, meant that spaces of care had to be transformed. Along with local community networks, social media connections played a crucial role in managing and receiving transnational care. However inconsistent policies around masking, COVID protocols, vaccine and booster regulations and distributions created additional stress on immigrants tasked with managing care across nations.