[renewiltord]

It’s all the paperwork that’s a nightmare. Drivers licenses, USCIS and it’s fucking endless nonsense, infinite paperwork. Just paperwork paperwork paperwork.

Massive taxes without any benefit.

And most Americans haven’t a clue how much trouble it is. It’s a constant thundercloud in your life.

Anyway, Americans are super friendly and very nice. A few among them are very motivated and the country is unbelievably wealthy so there is a lot of opportunity. Most locals don’t like to challenge themselves very much but the country will give to you tenfold what you put in so it’s worth all the pain and then some.

Oh and don’t go to all the weird places if you aren’t white. Pick an election map and stick to cities and areas that were colored blue. On the Internet people will get very offended about this and tell you how the finest people they know are in the other parts and they much prefer people be upfront and straightforward and all that. But here’s straight talk: stick to the places colored blue.

This is a white collar perspective.

[refurb]

Ever lived in Asia? You talked paperwork and damn the US looks like an ultra-efficient system compared to some Asia countries. A form requires multiple signatures, all different departments in different parts of a city. A the "official" stamps mean none of it can be electronic.

Makes the DMV look like a well oiled machine.

[gregjor]

Americans don’t have a clue about US immigration paperwork or USCIS because we don’t have to deal with that. You probably don’t know how hard it is to immigrate to your home country either. Having done it both ways in my experience the US bureaucracy was no worse than some other places, and not corrupt like some places. I’ve been asked outright for bribes in SE Asia and Mexico by immigration authorities, something that doesn’t happen in the US or EU.

[bruceb]

ignore this and go where you want.

Go all the weird place you want. Some people need to feel that the country is some hell hole outside of a few cities, it isn't. Also you will pay less, gas will probably be cheaper. Enjoy.

[renewiltord]

I think the contrast between American opinions and immigrant opinions in this thread should immediately suffice for the reader to draw conclusions.

I should warn you that this will be normal. You will see this. People who will never face what you will will tell you about how it’s perfectly okay and everything is great etc etc.

Talk to other people like you and know a more lived reality.