The USA FAQ

[Melanie Hutt]

Bev: That is excellent advice. You are a visionary. I commend you

Melanie Hutt

[worldcitizen]

Why did we leave our countries of origin? There is no a clear or absolute answer to this phenomenon. In fact, if we have the opportunity to ask the same question to every immigrant, they would give us different and unique answers. In our statistics, we can find economic, social, political, religious or intimate reasons. Regardless the reason or cause, we can express this phenomenon as the constitution of freedom for every man or woman.
In my own experience, I grew up in Europe, and even though I might keep my nostalgia for my “motherland”, I think that citizenship is a matter of choice, linked to our personal experiences, to our inner motivations. Citizenship should be the expression of identification to some ideas, fidelity, and vision to certain political space. We didn't control the place of our birth. We accepted it because we didn't have a choice. Citizenship shouldn't compulsive, on the contrary, it should be a social manifestation of voluntary association, expression and identification. In our current social perspective, that's an utopia. But who knows? May be the society of the future will be capable to envision a culture of “free movement” and “free cooperation” After living in Europe, and having lived in different European countries, I decided to come into the United States, because I think it is the most functional democracy in the world (Some people will find this statement, debatable), but that's my opinion.
In America, I've had days in which I've felt absolutely identified with its culture. Everything seems to fit perfectly. It seems I've lived in the United for a long time. Everything is logical and congruent. But some times, I don't feel the same way. For instance, I reject the death penalty. It is painful to observe how some Americans have little regard with human life. I reject its shallowness, anti intellectualism (Everything has to be funny), but on the other hand, I value its individualism, and optimism.
Generally speaking, I feel American, and I have my personal reasons why I obtained the American citizenship, I don't imagine living elsewhere. I reject some issues as I expressed above. However, in this imperfect and free society, I think that the American Society is the most functional around the world. There are days I miss my motherland, and I will keep this feeling during the rest of my life. I think is possible and compatible to love 2 nations.
In fact, I feel “world citizen”, because I feel identified with human problems and its challenges.
In conclusion, my experience in America has taught me to love and understand the variety of human life (cultures, languages, traditions). We have some link or relationship with our motherland, not doubt about it. But we can develop attitudes more humans, and cosmopolitans. We can learn to love our adopted country and the world as well. It is the modern way to express our freedom and universalism.

[Judy Tyrosvoutis]

The culture shock syndrome is really true! It is so nice when you can finally laugh about the hardships and finally appreciate some amazing new ways to look at life through the eyes of your current country.

[Judy Tyrosvoutis]

Yes why did we leave in the first place is a good question!
In hopes of a better lifestyle. To relax. To minimize the pressure from the hectic running to meet the deadlines.
These were some of the reasons we moved from the USA to Greece. Unfortunately these hopes were really EXPECTATIONS, which have not been realized.
I believe now that I must stop expecting and start giving and accepting to fulfill my hopes.
Take more moments and just be there to experience them without clouding my thoughts with worrisome distractions. I do struggle with the marketplace in my mind!!

[ghsoft]

What is the average Health Insurance for wife and 1 2-month kid?

[ghsoft]

Also what is the average for a 2-bed apartment is GA?

[waterwhat]

That's a tough question because it depends on so much.
At my work to cover three people (myself, spouse, and child) would cost about $750/month (including what the employer pays) so it costs me much less than that. Ask your employer or potential employer what percent of the insurance premium they cover.

[MrsRose]

Originally Posted by ghsoft

What is the average Health Insurance for wife and 1 2-month kid?

The are many factors that can affect what you might pay for insurance.

Typically, it will cost you less if your health insurance is provided through your employer. If you are unemployed or self-employed, you'll have to pay for private insurance.

Insurance companies will determine your monthly premiums and coverage based on your health history and current health, along with factors like your age, sex, and whether you smoke, etc...

I'm unemployed (I stay at home with our 2 year old) and had private insurance for myself and my 2 year old, and our premiums were around $250 a month (with a very high deductible though). That was the cost for us with no pre-existing conditions, and a healthy lifestyle. (though most insurance companies quoted us at around $300-$400, with a more reasonable deductible.)

[danny77]

Originally Posted by worldcitizen

[I]
In conclusion, my experience in America has taught me to love and understand the variety of human life (cultures, languages, traditions). We have some link or relationship with our motherland, not doubt about it. But we can develop attitudes more humans, and cosmopolitans. We can learn to love our adopted country and the world as well. It is the modern way to express our freedom and universalism.

This is so true, you are absolutely right! It's hard to deal with a new culture & lifestyle, especially if you come from a different continent, but once you got all those emotions in order, it's getting so much easier to adapt and embrace your new life! We are in a continuous change, whether we live in our home country or far away. We just have to learn to adapt to these changes.

[Scott28]

Great post....
Can you tell me the exact procedure of immigration????????