(By Linnea Augustine, Freelance Journalist)
Jaskaran Singh arrived in the United States nearly two decades ago on an H-1B visa, chasing the American Dream. Over the years, he built a career in technology, invested in a small real estate business, and became a proud U.S. citizen. He is now a father of two teenage boys with his wife, Manpreet.
Jaskaran’s American Dream took an unexpected turn when he encountered a tenant who refused to pay rent for years – yet couldn’t be evicted due to legal loopholes. As a small landlord with a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance to pay, Jaskaran said he felt abandoned by a system that seemed to unfairly protect the tenant over the law-abiding property owner.
“I went to every elected official I could think of. All they could say was, ‘I’m sorry this happened to you,’” Jaskaran recalled.
Frustrated and determined to shed light on what he saw as systemic injustice, Jaskaran organized a protest outside the tenant’s home. The demonstration, which drew both national and international attention, highlighted the struggles faced by many mom-and-pop landlords across the country. Jaskaran said his actions resonated with many small property owners and immigrants who felt voiceless.
“Immigrants often think they have to keep their heads down,” Jaskaran said. “But I realized we have to stand up and make our voices heard.”
A longtime community volunteer, Jaskaran has served as chair of the Bellevue Human Services Commission, coached kids in sports and scouts, and launched his neighborhood’s annual 4th of July celebration. Motivated by his Sikh faith, which emphasizes justice and giving back, Jaskaran decided to run for Washington State Senate in 2024.
His campaign focused on fair housing policies, public safety, and public education – issues he believes are critical to ensuring that the American Dream remains attainable for everyone.
“Running for office wasn’t in my plan,” Jaskaran said. “But after what happened to me, I felt I couldn’t stay silent anymore.”
Jaskaran’s story is increasingly resonating with Washington’s growing immigrant community. Many newcomers, inspired by his example, are now stepping up to run for local office themselves.
“I want to show that the American Dream is still alive,” he said. “But it’s up to all of us to make sure it works for everyone, not just a select few.”