"As a member of the post-80s generation of only children, and having once lived across different time zones, I have always been considering this question: If I immigrate, my parents would certainly be unwilling to live in a strange country long-term, and I cannot bear to leave them as 'empty nesters.' How do other only children who have immigrated handle this problem?" asked one only child.
To address this situation, one may consider 'Immigration without Relocation.' By obtaining permanent residency in the destination country without pursuing citizenship, this issue can be effectively resolved. Ten years ago, most Chinese who immigrated overseas did so with the intention of 'relocating,' valuing the superior living environments, education systems, healthcare systems, and development opportunities offered by major Western nations. Today, however, a new trend has emerged among new immigrants: 'Immigration without Relocation.'
I. What is 'Immigration without Relocation'?
So-called 'immigration without relocation' means that immigration applicants can maintain their Chinese citizenship while obtaining permanent residency in another country. This allows them to continue focusing their lives and businesses in China while simultaneously enjoying the high-quality educational resources and generous welfare benefits of the destination country.
II. The difference between permanent residency and naturalization in immigration
Traditionally, most Chinese believe that immigration equals relocation. In fact, 'immigration' is a broad concept; many people claim to have immigrated once they obtain 'permanent residency.' So, what is the difference between 'permanent residency' and obtaining 'citizenship'?
1. Permanent Residency: Obtaining the 'permanent residency' of an immigration country is commonly known as receiving a Green Card. This refers to an individual's right to reside in a country permanently, but without citizenship rights. A person with permanent residency is called a 'permanent resident.'
2. Naturalization: Naturalization is the process of acquiring the 'citizenship' of that country, which means obtaining a passport. Citizenship refers to the legal status of an individual belonging to a nation and serves as the basis for diplomatic protection by that state. Citizenship is synonymous with holding a passport; a person is a citizen of whichever country issued their passport. Only after obtaining citizenship does an individual enjoy the right to vote and run for office, rights that are not granted by permanent residency alone.
An increasing number of high-net-worth individuals have joined the wave of immigration. Compared to 10 years ago, most current applicants choose to remain in China to continue their work and life. 'Immigration without relocation' has gradually become the norm for wealthy immigrants. As the number of overseas immigrants continues to rise, more and more people will choose to live in multiple locations and across multiple countries, and the lifestyles of these individuals will undergo significant changes.