‍ ‍ Georgian Caregivers

     The economic situation in my home country has forced many of my compatriots to leave their families behind—including their children, siblings, and aging parents. Driven by necessity, they immigrated to find new opportunities and send financial support to their loved ones back home. The vast majority of these immigrants are women, many of whom reside in the United States without legal status. Facing severe language barriers and lacking formal work authorization, almost every woman finds employment as an elder caregiver. Many of them serve families without any benefits or time off, sometimes working continuously for several months at a time. Tragically, some have been unable to see their own families for the past 10 to 15 years. Mothers who left their young children behind have now become grandmothers, yet they continue to provide financial support for their children and grandchildren across the ocean. On the other hand, a profound emotional bond often forms; they grow incredibly close to the families they care for, making it a true heartbreak and tragedy when an elder they cherish passes away.