Video game portrays US H-1B visa process as frustrating slot machine

When Allison Yang and her team introduced their new video game on Chinese social media, they were surprised to see so many users sporting the Chick-fil-A logo as their profile picture. This odd phenomenon was attributed to a common belief among Chinese developers that showing allegiance to the American fast-food chain and indulging in its fried chicken would improve the odds of winning the U.S. government’s annual work visa lottery.
Exploring this theme of seeking control in unpredictable situations, Yang and her team have designed a new mobile game called H1B.Life. This game is a whimsical and satirical representation of the complexities of America’s immigration process, drawing inspiration from interviews with real immigrants and developers with first-hand experiences of the system.
Scheduled for release later this year, H1B.Life puts players in the shoes of H-1B skilled worker visa applicants, navigating cultural differences and bureaucratic hurdles to achieve their dreams in the U.S. Each year, only a fraction of the applicants are successful in obtaining the coveted H-1B visa due to the government’s random selection process. “It is like a game,” says Yang, referring to the unpredictable nature of the immigration system where luck plays a significant role.
While the game is filled with fantastical scenarios and humorous parodies, it is grounded in the reality faced by many hopeful immigrants. From high-profile executives like Elon Musk and Patrick Soon-Shiong to everyday foreign workers, the outcome of the H-1B lottery can have life-altering consequences.
Despite official reports indicating a high rejection rate for H-1B applications, the Trump administration’s proposed reforms aim to prioritize skilled and well-compensated workers. However, there are concerns that the selection process may still include an element of randomness.
The stringent screening measures and increased fees under the Trump administration have added further challenges for H-1B applicants, leading to delays and uncertainties. Some visa holders find themselves stranded outside the U.S. while others fear leaving the country due to the risk of being unable to return.
With the game H1B.Life, Yang hopes to shed light on the complexities and uncertainties faced by immigrants in the U.S. Inspired by her own experiences as an immigrant and a journalist, Yang aims to challenge misconceptions and ignorance surrounding the immigration system through her game.
Drawing from popular casino games, H1B.Life features various mini-games within the larger narrative, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the visa application process and the challenges of maintaining employment in a foreign country. Players must navigate their characters through pivotal decisions, managing various stats and avoiding burnout along the way.
While initially intending to create a realistic simulation of the immigration system, Yang and her team recognized the emotional and psychological toll experienced by immigrants and decided to focus on that aspect in the game. By incorporating elements of faith, destiny, and the occult, H1B.Life offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the immigrant experience in America.