Migrate or not to migrate to the U.S.

[the_wildthing]

Sa mga nasa US how rampant is the discrimination sa mga Pinoy or other lahi?

Depende siguro sa area, at sa mga kasalamuha mo. Sa mga larger metropolitan areas wala naman akong naranasan. Para ngang mas marami pang Pinoy tapos sila pa ang galit sa ibang lahi. Hehe.

Pero sabi nila sa mga rural areas na predominantly white, at medyo matatanda ang crowd, dun baka meron pa. Personally hindi ko pa na-experience, dahil siguro hindi pa ako napadpad sa ganong lugar.

[Boy Bastos]

Hi tsikoteers,

I need an honest opinion from you guys... I have a chance to migrate to the U.S. but since the economic situation and unemployment rate are not good I'm having a second thought kung tutuloy ako or hindi. Hindi naman sa nagmamayabang ako but I am making a net income of 70K a month (deducted na po ang income tax).. If you are in my shoes are you going to migrate to the U.S.? My wife works in the bank and we have 3 kids (in grade schoool). Would you think it is advisable to just stay here and live a simple life. Any information that you can share will be appreciated. Hindi kami kasi makapag decide. Salamat po.

Pahabol lang.

zenon eh parang nagkamali ka yata ng forum ng pagtatanungan. Majority ng mga tao dito ay uber rich. Bakit 'kamo? Majority ng car-owners or self-proclaimed-car-owners ng latest SUV, high end sedans, sports cars, new cars, etc dito sa tsikot ay college students at mga guys na barely out of their teens. Isipin mo na lang na pagdating nila ng 40s eh nasa forum na sila ng Gulfstream. Try mo tumingin ng ibang opinion sa ibang sites.

[x_outpost]

Very nicely worded.

The US is, as they say, the land of opportunity. If you work hard then you'll get somewhere.
I work as IT in a company who pays for my medical insurance, trainings/certificate courses and even pays for my graduate school tuition fees.
Not to mention, they also contribute 10% to my retirement funds automatically (doesn't matter if I contribute or not). Am I saying that all companies are like this? Of course not. In fact, me and my wife started by renting a one bedroom apartment, shared one car and we can't even afford to go to the movies.
That was more than 10 years ago. The past few years, I had the privilege to work for the Navy and other companies in DC.

Now, if you choose to stay in the Philippines, ask your self this question - "Where do I see my self in 10, 15 and 20 years?"...."Am I still going to make that kind of money?"

One last thing - the older you migrate, the harder for you to blend in and adjust to the lifestyle and culture here.

Depends on the kind of visa that will take you to the US. If H1B, even if specialty occupation, the accompanying spouse cannot work. Hence, wifey cannot help you financially but she can help you in taking care of the kids, can give you a relaxing home, can drive your kids to school, etc. You have a stay-at-home super wife.

If you are not a nurse or if you will be given a job that's clerical, it's hard to survive. H1B cannot guarantee you a greencard, just look at our Filipino teachers in the US. Their renewed H1B will be expiring soon, but the petitioning school has not filed for their greencard yet. They have no more life back in the PH because they sold everything as soon as they got their visa.

Female teachers asked their husbands to quit from their jobs to join them in the US with the kids. Now, without the greencard, they have to make an exit and allow another year to elapse before they can reenter, that is, if these jobs are still there after a year.

OT (but might give you the idea, although might not be true to all):

I have the chance to immerse in these places in the west:I like the diversity in CA, but I like the laidback life in WA and so with Oregon (shopping here is heaven, no tax). I find Vegas a material world. I don't like the vibe, although the houses are cheap nowadays. Most states in the Midwest are struggling, although MI is starting to feel the effect of stimulus fund (I dunno if really true). Although we also have to consider that some cities in CA are declaring bankruptcy. In the east, Pinoys I've known opt to live in NJ and work in NY. CT, even if it's a sleeping state, the standard of living is a bit high. But I like the population of the old and brilliant. I have not heard anyone honking his horn unlike in NY and CA. I cannot say much about the District of Columbia, I was there for about a week to observe one US Supreme Court's en banc session. I just spent my days visiting the memorials, capitol, and the gate of White House (hehehe).

In terms of food security, even the hobo has something to fill his tummy. He can take the bus without paying.

With medical services, what I don't like is the appointment procedure in the US. I would rather wager in the PH-considering that buying a medical insurance in the PH is also expensive-I can choose my doctor. My friend pays 200USD for each child/month for medical insurance but cannot choose her doctor. My other friend cannot choose her OB-Gyn, she was assigned a male doctor (que horror). I still like SLMC.

Yes, I agree with yebo(?), most kids in the US don't seem to have any other life except to look forward to be in a relationship. I still would like my child to be a Filipina. If she'll insist on engaging in hazardous activities, we'll see if she's gonna survive without the diploma. I would like my child or children to imbibe the importance of hard work, good education, and the culture of excellence-just because we lack so many.

My cousins in the US finished college through scholarships because they kicked ass during high school and graduated valedictorians. My aunts explained to them the dire need to excel because they are Asians and colored.

But this does not mean that I am no longer enamored with the so-called American Dream. I like America because it does not make me feel that I need to have connections just to be served.

RE: Pinoy marriages. I have met several Pinoys whose marriages have been in shambles. Men (those with blue passports) tend to be so helpful by marrying TNT Pinays, abandoning their respective wives.

70K (PHP) when in the NCR cannot give you a decent house. Although enough for a family of four that does not pay any tuition fees yet.

BTT: If you're offered a green card, then by all means take the risk. You just need to focus on the 5-year period and you'll get your citizenship. There are hardships, but these are just temporary setbacks, you'll get back on your feet eventually. When trials rock your marriage, just go back to your sole consideration in chasing that American Dream: a great or grander future for your family. Don't be lost in the madness of this material world. It's always nice to hold hands with the person who helped you decide in chasing that dream-from the moment you set foot in the US till you draw your last breath. Ride the roller coaster holding each others' hands. Just pray that wifey thinks this way too. hehehe.

[frenchtower]

Very nicely worded.

The US is, as they say, the land of opportunity. If you work hard then you'll get somewhere.
I work as IT in a company who pays for my medical insurance, trainings/certificate courses and even pays for my graduate school tuition fees.
Not to mention, they also contribute 10% to my retirement funds automatically (doesn't matter if I contribute or not). Am I saying that all companies are like this? Of course not. In fact, me and my wife started by rending a one bedroom apartment, shared one car and we can't even afford to go to the movies.
That was more than 10 years ago. The past few years, I had the privilege to work for the Navy and other companies in DC.

Now, if you choose to stay in the Philippines, ask your self this question - "Where do I see my self in 10, 15 and 20 years?"...."Am I still going to make that kind of money?"

One last thing - the older you migrate, the harder for you to blend in and adjust to the lifestyle and culture here.

Spot on brother. Are you on the east or west side?

[x_outpost]

East here bro (VA). What about you?
Is that an Infiniti G coupe? I had one back in 2007 but my wife and kids won't ride with me so I sold it for a E60.

Spot on brother. Are you on the east or west side?

[frenchtower]

I'm on the opposite side of you. Yes, that is my old G. I have sold that already too.

You are right in saying that US is a land of opportunity in any race, age or gender. However, younger migrants have greater chances of finding avenues to prosper.

[x_outpost]

I agree. I petitioned my parents a few years ago (both in their late 50s) and my dad count not get a job which, I would think, is because of his age and lack of experience. Best age to migrate here = age 8 or less. Why? They typically lose their Filipino accent.

I'm on the opposite side of you. Yes, that is my old G. I have sold that already too.

You are right in saying that US is a land of opportunity in any race, age or gender. However, younger migrants have greater chances of finding avenues to prosper.

[_Cathy_]

I'm in the same dilemma. My Mom wants me to migrate to the US but I am not 100% on it. I've been delaying this for several months already.

There's a part of me that wants to leave for the following reasons:

1. Clean slate in life. New job, friends, atmosphere etc

2. Get away from my dad's family (too much drama)

3. I'm tired of living in a third world country. Our government is embarrassing and the people who run it are disgusting, services are CRAP - internet is slowest in Asia ata, laws are PRO manufacturers and not customers, services such as acquiring DL, passport, SSS etc are hellish, lack of culture (music, film and theatre etc)

4. Potential to earn more. I have friends who were able to purchase cars and homes in less than 5 yrs. I've been working for 8 yrs now and I can't even afford to buy a car or property. I also can't afford to rent a condo :P

5. Health care services. US has sophisticated health care facilities and medical services. Back in the early 2000s, I wanted to wear contacts, apparently my pupils are larger than average so I needed to have my pupils measured and order customized contacts. My Aunt said this is common in the US. Dito sa Pilipinas WALA. The eye institute where I go supposedly has the most sophisticated facilities in the country but they can't even do what it common in the US. Another one was when my dachshund had a spinal injury, her vet told me that there is no facility in the Philippines that can repair spinal injuries. I searched US forums and this is also common there. When my Mom got sick she was in the US and they were able to save her. My Uncle had the same condition, money was not an issue for them but he did not survive.

6. Most of my friends have migrated abroad. My childhood best friend also has plans of moving to the US.

7. My heartbreak. Maybe there I can forget. Saka mas maraming "perfect" sa US hahaha! J/K.

8. I will always be a second class citizen

The reasons I want to stay

1. My family. This is the MAJOR factor. I have a "second mom" who took care of me since I was a baby. I can't just leave her but I don't know how I can take her to the US. I have never been away from her in my entire life (except for vacation) I've been away from my parents for months at a time but NEVER with her. I also don't know how I will be able to bring my fat lab in the US. I don't want her in the cargo of the plane for 12 hrs or so. My Lola is 90, although we have our differences sometimes, I think she will not be happy if I left for abroad.

2. My job. I like what I am doing. The pay isn't much but I can buy what I want. I have the best bosses anyone could ever ask for. I can pretty much get away with murder at work. I am given exceptions. I can come in anytime I like. They give way to me (little things such as getting the best seat - corner window area). They are lenient with me when it comes to my attendance. I get affirmation from my bosses a lot. My friends at work told me I will have a very hard time if I transferred work because the things I can get away with in my current job can never happen in another company. But the trade off is the low pay. I am far from a 6 digit salary. Most of my contemporaries are earning probably at the 250k mark.

3. I don't like change. I stick to where I am comfortable and familiar with that's why I stayed in the same school, job and friends.

If you had the chance, would you leave?

[Jun aka Pekto]

If you're used to life in the PH, it could be traumatic moving to another country. If you have too much at stake in the PH, it's best to stay.

Me? I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the PH when I was young. I got used to life in the PH. But, I moved back here to the US first chance I got (when I became an adult), even if it meant some hardships because I was on my own for the first time.

If you do move to the US, live in California. Might as well call it Little Philippines. When we had our road trip recently, we passed through Los Angeles and my wife was amused to notice every other car on the freeway had a Pinoy driver (or looked like a Pinoy driver). I was wondering why she kept staring hard at cars near us.

[_Cathy_]

If you're used to life in the PH, it could be traumatic moving to another country. If you have too much at stake in the PH, it's best to stay.

Me? I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the PH when I was young. I got used to life in the PH. But, I moved back here to the US first chance I got (when I became an adult), even if it meant some hardships because I was on my own for the first time.

If you do move to the US, live in California. Might as well call it Little Philippines. When we had our road trip recently, we passed through Los Angeles and my wife was amused to notice every other car on the freeway had a Pinoy driver (or looked like a Pinoy driver). I was wondering why she kept staring hard at cars near us.

How old were you when you moved to the US as an adult?

I am avoiding CA. I want the least amount of Filipinos possible. Even at work, I mix in better with Caucasians.

[CVT]

How old were you when you moved to the US as an adult?

I am avoiding CA. I want the least amount of Filipinos possible. Even at work, I mix in better with Caucasians.

MD Cathy, maganda... You will love the Spring and Fall.... And hate the other two...

Doon ako seriously nag-isip na mag TNT dati....

[ssaloon]

I'm in the same dilemma. My Mom wants me to migrate to the US but I am not 100% on it. I've been delaying this for several months already.

There's a part of me that wants to leave for the following reasons:

1. Clean slate in life. New job, friends, atmosphere etc

2. Get away from my dad's family (too much drama)

3. I'm tired of living in a third world country. Our government is embarrassing and the people who run it are disgusting, services are CRAP - internet is slowest in Asia ata, laws are PRO manufacturers and not customers, services such as acquiring DL, passport, SSS etc are hellish, lack of culture (music, film and theatre etc)

4. Potential to earn more. I have friends who were able to purchase cars and homes in less than 5 yrs. I've been working for 8 yrs now and I can't even afford to buy a car or property. I also can't afford to rent a condo :P

5. Health care services. US has sophisticated health care facilities and medical services. Back in the early 2000s, I wanted to wear contacts, apparently my pupils are larger than average so I needed to have my pupils measured and order customized contacts. My Aunt said this is common in the US. Dito sa Pilipinas WALA. The eye institute where I go supposedly has the most sophisticated facilities in the country but they can't even do what it common in the US. Another one was when my dachshund had a spinal injury, her vet told me that there is no facility in the Philippines that can repair spinal injuries. I searched US forums and this is also common there. When my Mom got sick she was in the US and they were able to save her. My Uncle had the same condition, money was not an issue for them but he did not survive.

6. Most of my friends have migrated abroad. My childhood best friend also has plans of moving to the US.

7. My heartbreak. Maybe there I can forget. Saka mas maraming "perfect" sa US hahaha! J/K.

8. I will always be a second class citizen

The reasons I want to stay

1. My family. This is the MAJOR factor. I have a "second mom" who took care of me since I was a baby. I can't just leave her but I don't know how I can take her to the US. I have never been away from her in my entire life (except for vacation) I've been away from my parents for months at a time but NEVER with her. I also don't know how I will be able to bring my fat lab in the US. I don't want her in the cargo of the plane for 12 hrs or so. My Lola is 90, although we have our differences sometimes, I think she will not be happy if I left for abroad.

2. My job. I like what I am doing. The pay isn't much but I can buy what I want. I have the best bosses anyone could ever ask for. I can pretty much get away with murder at work. I am given exceptions. I can come in anytime I like. They give way to me (little things such as getting the best seat - corner window area). They are lenient with me when it comes to my attendance. I get affirmation from my bosses a lot. My friends at work told me I will have a very hard time if I transferred work because the things I can get away with in my current job can never happen in another company. But the trade off is the low pay. I am far from a 6 digit salary. Most of my contemporaries are earning probably at the 250k mark.

3. I don't like change. I stick to where I am comfortable and familiar with that's why I stayed in the same school, job and friends.

If you had the chance, would you leave?

I would at least explore the chance of moving outside your comfort zone just because of items 2 and 3 under the stay list. Lalo na na wala ka pang commitments like your own family/kids etc.

We did that 10 years ago, granted that it wasn't in the US (Singapore). Eventually, we decided to come back here because of reason #1 in your stay list.

I know medyo oxymoronic siya, but it turned out for the best since we became very independent and had no one else to rely on but ourselves in a country with zero familiar faces or family members.

[_Qwerty_]

you are still single, now is the perfect time for you to migrate..

it will be hard pag may family ka na..

[shadow]

I don't know what's your immigration circumstances but if you're decided, do it now! Hinde rin ganun kabilis makapunta agad.


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[StockEngine]

cs...lets go go go

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[_Qwerty_]

to share.. i have a friend.. nag migrate lahat nang siblings and parents nya.. naiwan sya 15 years ago kasi maaga sya nag asawa.. then last year lumabas na yung papers nilang family.. ilang months sila nag isip.. 2 anak nila, parehong babae.. isang junior high and isang grade 7.. maganda work nang wife nya dito.. sya naman ok din sa bank.. nag resign na sya and may nakuhang money as he had almost 20 years of service sa bank.. they're in their mid 40s na.. they debated and turned out mas mahihirapan sila don to start from scratch.. in the end.. hindi din sila tumuloy..

[lowslowbenz]

Now?

Nah, too much to lose here.

Am too old to start over.

Vacation nalang, pwede pa.

[_Cathy_]

Immigrant Visa. I think green card a few weeks after I arrive.

Last year pa yung letter ko from the National Visa Center pero dinelay ko ng delay :P Di ko inaasikaso yung mga requirements

Another reason I want to migrate to the US is to get a US Passport. Feeling ko kasi discriminated ang PH passport. At least with a US passport I can travel pretty much anywhere without the need to apply for a VISA. When I get my US passport after 5 years, I can go back to the PH again :P Pero parang ang tagal ng 5 years na pagtitiis para lang sa passport.

[_Qwerty_]

go! maganda maghanap ka na nang work don, para pag dating mo don may work ka na..

Immigrant Visa. I think green card a few weeks after I arrive.

Last year pa yung letter ko from the National Visa Center pero dinelay ko ng delay :P Di ko inaasikaso yung mga requirements

Another reason I want to migrate to the US is to get a US Passport. Feeling ko kasi discriminated ang PH passport. At least with a US passport I can travel pretty much anywhere without the need to apply for a VISA. When I get my US passport after 5 years, I can go back to the PH again :P Pero parang ang tagal ng 5 years na pagtitiis para lang sa passport.

[_Cathy_]

go! maganda maghanap ka na nang work don, para pag dating mo don may work ka na..

We have a branch in NY. The boss of my boss regularly goes to our NY office so I'm not sure if I can ask for an endorsement

Pero honestly masaya na ko sa work ko dito. Sweldo lang talaga problema

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