Is Settling In The USA Worth It For An Indian?

Is Settling In The USA Worth It For An Indian? 

Whether you are a fresh college grad, a professional set to climb the corporate ladder, a green card applicant, or someone who has never set foot abroad, you may have good reason to list the pros and cons of migrating to the US. It is a big decision, and not easily reversible. This article provides a primer on what factors to consider and aims to help you make an informed choice. Your conclusion will likely be based on which of the listed factors hold the most important for you and your dear ones.

What to Expect

America has always welcomed immigrants as a source of talents that are in short supply locally. The US Department of Immigration regularly updates a list of skills, possessing which make applicants eligible for various visa categories. The number of applications under those categories invariably exceeds the quotas. If you plan to apply for US immigration, expect much competition, not just from other Indians but a diverse global community of variously skilled workers. It is a classic case of supply exceeding demand, which means the US authorities get to dictate all the terms. Strict immigration policies and employment guidelines regulate virtually every important aspect of new immigrants’ lives. The policies also change frequently, sometimes unpredictably.

Having noted these facts, it is equally important to state that skilled migrants can make great careers in the land of opportunity. You can expect a structured, professional work environment in the US, markedly better pay compared to similar positions back home, and an undeniable professional dignity, which is part of the appeal for many. Qualified professionals are highly respected and sought after, especially in the technical and medical fields. Dedicated workers with a long-term career focus will have little problem rising up the ranks in US firms. Following the necessary procedures, over time you can gain US citizenship, which places you on equal footing with US-born citizens. That means equal rights and social security, among other things.

For most green card aspirants there are two primary attractions – a better standard of living and improved quality of life. Let’s start with the first.

Standard of Living

The cost of living abroad (obviously) differs for singles, married couples, couples with children and depending on whether both partners have jobs. It will also depend on your lifestyle. If you like shopping sprees, parties, exotic vacations and the like, you will find plenty of avenues in most parts of the US. An American salary can sound like quite a handful by Indian standards. Someone earning 2,000 US dollars a month, which is no big cheese over there, amounts to about 138,000 INR. That figure is well over three times the per capita GDP of India (according to IMF 2017 estimates), and good cause to boast. In the early career stages, US jobs may pay significantly more than back home in currency conversion terms. At the same time, one has to consider the cost of living abroad. Rents in major cities can be quite high, and depending on lifestyle the cost of everyday living can vary a lot. Moreover, the gulf between salaries is not as wide as it used to be a few decades earlier. An increasingly large number of professionals are reporting that at senior levels salaries in India can match or exceed the compensation offered for similar roles on US soil. This trend is not uniform across professions, although it seems to be broadening. Add to it the fact that expats often characterize the US as a materialistic society. Peers and others may judge you by your possessions. It is common in married couples for both partners to have full-time jobs in order to accumulate the wealth which others must see you spending. Elevated stress is apt to accompany an elevated standard of living.

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