What is the importance of Massachusetts in the short-story collection, Unaccustomed Earth?

Massachusetts is the setting for many of the short stories in the book, including “Once in a Lifetime,” “Hell-Heaven,” and “A Choice of Accommodations.” The state is located in New England, which is the northeastern section of the United States of America. In the book, Massachusetts is home to many immigrants from India and their children, including Usha and her family, Pranab and his family, and the families of Hema and Kaushik.