People from all over the world like coming to America for lots of reasons. Firstly, there are a lot of jobs here, and they’re all different kinds. Secondly, America also has good schools and universities where people can learn a lot. Lastly, it is a culturally diverse country where you can meet and learn from a diverse group of communities.
We have listed down 12 reasons for you to consider before moving to the United States.
Difficulty with the green card
In 2024, only about 3 percent of green card applicants in the United States will get residency. Number of pending applications went up from 10 million in 1996 to 34.7 million in 2024. The government will issue only about 1.1 million green cards in FY 2024. This means 97% of green card applicants will not get approval for residency this year.
This makes it tough for lots of people who dream of living the American dream. But, if you have the right skills or can move from a job in another country, there are still chances for you. Some immigration agents can help you through the process, or you can try getting a temporary work visa or visit visa.
No free healthcare
According to KFF, 49% of uninsured adults face problems in paying for their healthcare, with 51% claiming to be in poor health.
First off, there isn’t a free healthcare system or an affordable one like in some other countries. This means you need to have medical insurance, which you pay for, to cover your healthcare costs. Many large companies offer health insurance as part of their employee benefits. However, keep in mind this is usually not enough and healthcare is expensive.
Taxes surprise
The tax laws in the United States differ with the States. At the state level, rates usually vary between 2.9% and 7.25%. That means, if a certain benefit is available to you in one, it might not be in another. The good news is that income tax rates are usually lower here, so you may end up saving money overall.
Besides that, sales taxes, similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT), aren’t included in the price. So, when you go to pay at the checkout, the added tax might surprise you. Once you get used to it, you can figure out the total price easily.
Gun violence
According to the Associations of the Healthcare Journalists, nearly 43000 died from gun violence in 2023. Another NIHCM Report states that around 50 mass shootings were noticed in 2024 already leading to 88 deaths and more than 170 wounded.
There is no doubt that gun violence is a problem in the United States which makes a lot of cities unsafe. The President of America Joe Biden’s recent gun control law is a positive step forward to ensure safety.
Tips expected
You should leave a tip of at least 15% at all restaurants. Some even expect you to tip till 20%. If you don’t, you will face mockery and insults. This is hugely because tips is how the service staff actually makes money.
High living costs
Things like housing, education, and everyday expenses can use up a lot of money. While the average living cost in America is $2500-3000 per month, it can shoot upto as much as $8000 in cities like New York.
This means people and families need to think carefully about where to shift, how to manage money before they decide to move to these places.
Variation in the Climate
If planning to move, it’s crucial to take into account the diverse range of weather conditions across the country. From freezing winters to scorching summers, the U.S. experiences a wide spectrum of climates.
Additionally, the United States is frequently impacted by natural calamities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
For instance, since 1990, more than 1,000 tornadoes have been recorded annually in the United States, making it the country with the highest number of tornadoes worldwide.
Social Variations
In the USA, there are big differences between how people live and the opportunities they have. Some groups of people have better lives and chances than others. It’s important to know about these differences because they can affect where you want to live. For instance, the unemployment rate for Black Americans has generally been greater than for White Americans. In January 2021, Black Americans had an unemployment rate of 9.2%, compared to 5.7% for White Americans.
Difficulty in work life balance
In America, jobs can be stressful and come without paid leaves. This can make it tough to find a good balance between your job and your personal life. In March 2023, only 20% of private-sector employees in the United States were allowed paid family leave, while 28% received paid sick time. So, if you’re thinking about moving to the United States for work, be ready for this.
High stress level
The stress that immigrants face is far more than what most individuals experience at job or school. For example, in 2020, the annual working hours per worker in the United States was 1,767 hours, which was higher than the OECD average of 1,758. Due to extra working hours people sometimes face health issues.
Security Challenges
The United States is a big and diverse country where many different kinds of people live together. They have different beliefs, backgrounds, and appearances. Even though Americans generally respect each other and get along, there are still some problems, like crime and terrorism.
According to FBI, In 2019, there were around 6,925,677 recorded violent and property crimes in the United States.
Cost of Education
Despite America being home to some of the best universities in the world, they often come with a price tag. They are expensive to afford, and in most cases, cannot be done without scholarships, taking on an extra job or student loans.
According to Census data, 43 million Americans have outstanding student loan debt — that’s about 13% of the U.S. population.
Immigration Policies
The immigration policies of the United States are prone to alterations on a constant basis. Successfully managing the legal facets of immigration, such as visa applications and potential policy adjustments, demands thorough thought and strategic preparation.
For instance, consider a prospective international student aiming to pursue a graduate degree in the United States. They must not only comprehend the visa application process but also stay updated on any policy modifications that could affect their ability to study in the country or finding a job.