From TikTok to Capitol Hill: A McCourt School student’s journey to transform immigration policy

Born in India and raised in the U.S. from the age of four, Srushti Patil’s (MPP’26) journey to the McCourt School of Public Policy is rooted in a deep empathy for marginalized communities and a commitment to creating systemic change.

Initially, on a pre-med track, Patil began her undergraduate studies in public health at Fresno State University during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ambitions were reshaped by a research project examining the impact of public health protocols on mask-wearing behavior in California’s Central Valley. The study revealed the profound intersection between science and policy to Patil, setting her on a course toward systemic change through policymaking.

But it was the summer before her sophomore year at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), that transformed her life and perspective on immigration and the Indian-American experience. The week she planned to move into her dorm, Patil and her family learned that their Green Card (also known as a Permanent Resident Card) application was denied due to a clerical error made by their lawyer. With only ten days to prepare, they packed up their lives, said heartbreaking goodbyes — including to their two beloved dogs, Panda and Pingu — and returned to India.

“It was a time of profound uncertainty and anxiety,” Patil recalled. “Navigating life in India during the peak of COVID-19 while scrambling to secure a visa appointment was one of the most challenging experiences of my life.”

Turning adversity into advocacy

While in India, Patil shared her story on TikTok. The video quickly went viral, garnering nearly 300,000 views and connecting her with immigration advocacy organizations. One such group, Improve The Dream, focuses on supporting Documented Dreamers — children raised in the U.S. who face the loss of their temporary legal status derived from their parents’ visas when they turn 21, a process known as “aging out.”

Nine months later, Patil returned to the U.S. and transferred to UCLA, where she wasted no time channeling her personal experience into advocacy. Just two weeks after her return, she shared her family’s story with senators and lobbied for the passage of the America’s CHILDREN Act on Capitol Hill.

“One senator connected with my story of giving away our dogs. That moment reminded me of the power of personal storytelling in policymaking,” she reflected. “Shared humanity can transcend political divides.”

Patil’s advocacy extended beyond the U.S. Capitol. As the California liaison for Improve The Dream, she led a team of six in supporting SB 1160, a bill to ensure equitable in-state tuition for students like herself. She also interned with the group Indian-American Impact, which helps empower and elect South Asian representation in government.

A new chapter at McCourt School

As a first-year graduate student at the McCourt School, Patil focuses on the intersection of quantitative data and public policy. Her undergraduate degree in human biology and society stimulated her perspective on the necessity to supplement data with experience to address human complexities.

“Data is essential, but it doesn’t capture the full human experience,” Patil explained. “Good policy must be informed by empirical evidence and the lived experiences of the people it serves.”Patil noted a course in public interest technology taught by Emily Tavoulareas , managing chair of the Georgetown Initiative on Tech & Society, as one of her most transformative academic experiences at McCourt thus far. “I used to take data privacy for granted,” she admitted. “But this class opened my eyes to the power dynamics surrounding data and the importance of protecting personal information.”

A commitment to empowering communities

Outside of her coursework, Patil interns at FWD.us, assisting in scenario planning for immigration policies and coordinating with sanctuary states to protect vulnerable populations. 

“Every story has power,” said Patil. “It’s not about sounding perfect; it’s about speaking your truth and being heard.”

As she continues her graduate studies, Patil remains steadfast in using her experiences and skills to champion policies that serve communities and uphold shared humanity.

This story is a part of the McCourt School’s Student Spotlight series , which showcases inspiring stories about emerging policy leaders who are making an impact in their academic pursuits, extracurricular activities and communities.