For many Chinese, obtaining a U.S. passport remains highly attractive. Compared to China, the United States is widely regarded as a meritocratic society. In China, gaining admission to a top university or securing a high-paying job often relies on personal connections.
A wave of immigration to the United States is also rapidly emerging. The reasons behind these two trends are similar—education, a fair environment, international status, social welfare, and more.
There is a term in China called the "American Dream." In our definition, the American Dream represents freedom, equality, hope, and superior living conditions and environments. To put it slightly more emphatically, it also represents the respect and envy of others. The Chinese fascination with the United States is evident, as is the appeal of the U.S. Green Card to the Chinese people.
Conditions Mature, Appeal Transforms into Action
July 21st marked the fifth anniversary of the RMB "exchange rate reform." Over these five years, the RMB has appreciated by as much as 22%, while the investment amount required for U.S. immigration has decreased from an initial minimum of $1 million to at least $500,000.
During these five years, China's economic growth rate has been staggering. This rapid economic development has given rise to countless wealthy individuals. According to the 2010 Forbes Global Billionaires List, the number of wealthy individuals in China ranks second in the world.
It is under this coincidence of circumstances that an immigration wave has begun to sweep across China. With the lowered threshold for U.S. investment immigration and the increase in Chinese wealth, the appeal of the U.S. Green Card has transformed into action. Since last year, U.S. investment immigration projects have begun to heat up; last year, the number of applicants from mainland China doubled compared to 2008.
So, what exactly is attracting so many immigration applicants?
It is reported that after obtaining a U.S. Green Card, one can enjoy the same welfare benefits as U.S. citizens (excluding political rights), such as medical insurance and pension insurance. More importantly, the United States ranks first in the world for higher education, and U.S. residents can enjoy these educational resources more conveniently.
Many people's initial motivation for immigration is their children's education. Of the top 20 universities globally, 15 are in the United States, offering extremely rich educational resources. Although one can choose to study abroad, U.S. universities offer very few opportunities for international students, generally accounting for only 10% of total enrollment. Some high-quality majors do not even accept international students, and tuition fees are relatively expensive. However, if one obtains a U.S. Green Card, it is easier to gain admission to these top schools and enjoy lower tuition fees or interest-free loans. Therefore, more parents with the means have chosen to immigrate.
It is reported that the minimum investment required for U.S. investment immigration is now only $500,000. There are no requirements for language, age, or profession for the applicant; one only needs to prove that the source of the investment funds is legal. Furthermore, the application cycle takes only about a year and a half, and one person's investment allows the entire family to obtain a Green Card.
Loose immigration policies, superior social welfare, and the rapid growth of wealth in Chinese society—perhaps it is the combined influence of these internal and external factors that has created today's immigration wave in China!
