Moving to the USA

From the United States’ conception and founding by British expats, through the waves of European immigration, to modern times that have attracted leaders, thinkers and businesspeople from around the world, the USA has found success through immigration. Though now, with its own distinct identity, the nation is nonetheless a melting pot of colours and flavour and continues to be a favourite expat destination.

Expats moving to the USA will be exposed to one of the world’s largest economic and military powers, supporting more than 300 million people in 50 separate states and across three time zones.

The sign greeting immigrants at Ellis Island, one of the historic entry points, famously reads 'Give me your tired, your poor, your humbled masses yearning to breathe free,' and continues to inspire a country that still considers itself in the middle of an underdog success story.

On the flip side, the upward mobility of the US and recent policy changes since 9/11 have resulted in a much more selective immigration allowance, and many more expats would like to relocate than are accepted. This is by no means an exclusive group, as roughly a million people immigrate annually to America – still leaving the influx of foreigners as the leading cause of the country's population growth.

Increasing globalisation means American businesses are often large multi-national companies and conversely, foreign nationals work in USA companies. Such an immense land area does make it difficult to generalize topics of expat consideration – like cost of living, climate and lifestyle, but there are certainly some clear cut advantages to moving to the ‘Land of Opportunity’.

Specifically, some benefits of living in the USA are high wages and possible rewards for those with a bit of do-it-alone pioneer spirit, a safe and child-friendly environment for the family-oriented expat, and well-organised and efficient infrastructure that makes systems like education and healthcare some of the best in the world – if you can afford them.

As a downside, the USA does tend to have a thin safety net and limited aid for those in need of monetary assistance. Not to mention, since the recession of 2008, competition for jobs in the USA has been considerably more intense.

Still, expats in the USA are known to bring enthusiasm and new ideas to an economy that highly values both – there is plenty of opportunity to make your mark and live your life well.