Understanding the Lived Experiences of Highly Educated African Immigrants in the United States: A Case Study of Nigerians Living in Maryland.

Abstract

This study explores the underemployment of highly educated Nigerian immigrants in the United States, with a specific focus on those residing in Maryland. Despite possessing advanced academic qualifications and professional expertise, many Nigerian immigrants face systemic barriers that hinder the full utilization of their skills. The study adopts a qualitative research design in which inquiry draws on semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected participants and utilizes narrative analysis to interpret lived experiences. The study investigates the push and pull factors driving immigration, the professional challenges encountered in the host country, and the strategies employed to navigate cultural assimilation and social integration. Findings indicate that credential non-recognition, institutional discrimination, and restrictive immigration frameworks are critical obstacles to career advancement. Participants' narratives also reveal resilience and adaptation in the face of cultural dissonance, economic pressures, and identity negotiation. The research offers a nuanced understanding of how highly educated Nigerian immigrants reconstruct their professional identities while striving for economic and social mobility. Policy recommendations include reforms in foreign credential evaluation, inclusive labor market policies, and culturally responsive support systems to enhance immigrant career integration and fulfillment in the United States.