Do you still have your European citizenship? And is it in a country that has entered the EU? At least then you don't have to worry about immigration policy.

One thing I have to agree with is the increasing degree of social isoltion I've noticed every year when I come back. I don't know that many people any more, but I've noticed that although I usually only visit them once ayear for a week or two, I seem to be the friends they have the most face to face contact. People seem to maintain most of their friendships by e-mail and IM, even if they live only a few miles away. I'v always been somewhat of a hermit, but I've noticed that even gregarious persons live that way.