The United States has long been described as a “nation of immigrants,” with many Americans either descended from or themselves the descendants of immigrant and enslaved people. This diversity has been celebrated for its contributions to American culture through cuisine, languages, and art. It has also contributed to the economy by increasing productivity and providing a labor force that is less likely to withdraw from the work market or rely on government assistance programs.
In 2017, there were 29 million immigrants working or looking for work in the United States, representing 17% of the civilian labor force. Most were lawful immigrants (LPRs, or green card holders), while 7.6 million were unauthorized migrants. Unauthorized immigration sank to its lowest level since 2007, and legal immigrant employment rose, reflecting the overall growth in the U.S. workforce and the increasing demand for skilled workers.
Immigrants are also a source of innovation in the United States. As a result, many high-tech firms and other businesses are hiring more foreign-born workers. In fact, companies that hire immigrants often report higher job satisfaction levels than those who do not. This is because the presence of immigrants contributes to a more diverse, creative workforce.
As with any country, there are some negative aspects to living in the USA, but most of these can be easily overcome by making preparations before moving and taking advantage of the numerous opportunities available. For example, it is important to arrange accommodation before you move to the USA. Ideally, you should look for an apartment that you can rent on a month-to-month basis, instead of a fixed term contract. This way, you can stay flexible and avoid high costs when changing your place of residence.
Housing prices vary across the country, but you can find affordable apartments in major cities. There are also a number of government-subsidized housing schemes to help people who cannot afford to pay the usual market rates. It is advisable to contact local governments and ask about their available schemes.
There are also a number of different climates in the United States, from sunny Florida to snowy Minneapolis. It is therefore important to choose a location that suits your preferences, as it will make your life much easier and more comfortable.
Unlike most countries, the United States has a wide range of legal rights for immigrants and minorities, including civil rights and voting rights. This is partly due to the fact that its political structure retains a wide range of checks and balances to discourage unprecedented misuse of power.
It is estimated that there are between 11 and 20 million unauthorized migrants in the United States. The majority of these are from Mexico, but the unauthorized population also includes those from Central America and Asia. Those who enter the United States without authorization may be able to seek asylum if they can show that they are fleeing persecution on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.