Truly disappointed with the exec order on H1/J1 holders yesterday. I tend to think that I learnt a lot from being a legal alien in the US. Here are 10 life/leadership skills that you gain/practice (w/o you even knowing) when you are an H1/J1 holder from my personal experiences:

1/ Compartmentalizing: When you are in fear whether you will be even allowed to work in the US but still need to perform at work to keep your job, you need to learn how to compartmentalize.

2/ Continuous fact searching/gathering and synthesis: You realize that you need to do your own diligence because your case might be too specific. You need to learn how to read legal language, handbooks and reach out to experts in the field.

3/ Worst-case scenario planning: I have seen many people applying to Masters programs or building relationships back home in case things go haywire. When the day comes, you realize that it’s good to have a Plan B in life.

4/ Decision-making: You have to lay out different scenarios and choose the best option that makes sense at the time. You learn how to boil how your life can play out into “if and else statements” and “pluses and minuses”.

5/ Meeting strict deadlines: There are strict deadlines to ship all of your documents. You work with your immigration lawyers and colleagues to meet these deadlines. You deliver or lose your job so you better deliver.

6/ Discipline: There is a feeling of you should consistently prove yourself which can keep you going day and night.

7/ Showing vulnerability: There are times when you are just frustrated and you open up to your colleagues and realize that they are amazing people who will listen, and root for you. Those moments make your relationships stronger.

8/ Keeping your cool at the face of uncertainty: This is a tough one when you are in an emotional whirlwind. Just try to stay optimistic, and kind at all times even towards people who don't get it.

9/ Humor: Sprinkling some humor to your conversations really eases the air. Made and heard many “deportation soon?”, “going back to school?”,"pulling a Carlos Ghosn this time?" jokes that really lightened the mood in conversations with friends/family.

10/ Believing in yourself: Singing to yourself a cheesy dub of Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York always helps: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere, It’s up to you, America, America.”