In the wave of globalization, immigration has become increasingly common. The U.S. green card, as an important pathway to achieving the "American Dream," has attracted a lot of attention.
Despite the tightening of immigration policies in the U.S. and the rising application thresholds each year, the number of Chinese applicants remains substantial.
So, how many Chinese people actually hold U.S. green cards? Why do they remain persistent in immigrating to the U.S. despite numerous challenges?
As a leader in the global economy, the U.S. has a developed high-tech industry, providing abundant employment opportunities for workers.
According to statistical data, salary levels in similar job positions in the U.S. are usually higher than in other countries.
For instance, in fields like technology and finance, the average income of employees in the U.S. is significantly higher than that of employees in other countries, especially for those working in high-tech companies, where compensation is particularly attractive.
This economic advantage draws many individuals hoping to improve their living standards, particularly Chinese workers.
Even the salaries for ordinary blue-collar positions are quite substantial.
Chinese people in the U.S. often achieve success in various industries through hard work and dedication.
In the construction industry, Chinese workers are widely praised by employers for their diligence and professionalism, earning stable salary returns.
Whether in residential construction or commercial development, the contributions of Chinese workers are well recognized.
This not only improves their living conditions but also brings more hope to their families.
In addition to economic factors, the high-quality educational resources in the U.S. are also a significant reason attracting Chinese individuals to apply for green cards.
The U.S. is home to many prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, which not only boast excellent faculty but also advanced teaching facilities and rich academic resources.
These renowned institutions attract students from around the world, including a large number of Chinese students who aspire to receive education at these top universities for better development opportunities.
In terms of faculty strength, these institutions gather outstanding scholars and experts from around the globe.
They have achieved remarkable accomplishments in academic research and excel in imparting high-quality knowledge to students.
For example, professors at Harvard University are authoritative figures in their respective fields, and their teaching methods and educational philosophies effectively stimulate students' innovative thinking and learning enthusiasm.
Regarding teaching facilities, U.S. higher education institutions invest heavily in creating modern laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities, providing students with an excellent learning and living environment.
Taking Stanford University as an example, the school's laboratories are equipped with top-notch research technology, enabling students to engage in cutting-edge scientific exploration.
For children of green card holders, their pathways to education are more diverse, allowing them to compete for admission opportunities at major universities alongside U.S. students.
Especially when applying to top-tier universities, green card holders have a distinct advantage, as they can access more admission slots compared to international students.
The free compulsory education system in the U.S. is also a crucial factor attracting immigrants.
The 12 years of free compulsory education in the U.S. immerses children in an English-speaking learning environment throughout their education, significantly enhancing their language skills.
Additionally, compared to international schools, public school tuition is much more affordable, providing families with a more economical choice.
A child of a green card holder stated in an interview that attending public school in the U.S. not only allows access to quality educational resources but also saves a substantial amount on tuition expenses, which is undoubtedly a huge attraction for many Chinese families.
Moreover, the social welfare system in the U.S. is one of the most discussed topics globally.
The U.S. is known for its comprehensive social security system, with a high rate of insurance coverage and wide-ranging benefits.
Research and statistics indicate that the U.S. healthcare insurance system covers various aspects, from routine check-ups to emergency treatments, long-term care, and medication subsidies, providing strong support to the public.
For instance, Mr. Li, a Chinese resident in the U.S., had most of his medical expenses reimbursed due to his health insurance during a sudden illness, greatly alleviating his family's financial burden.
Although the savings rate in the U.S. is relatively low, this does not affect people's quality of life.
On one hand, U.S. social welfare policies provide basic life guarantees, such as food and housing; on the other hand, the diverse consumer market allows residents to enjoy high-quality goods and services.
For Chinese individuals who previously faced economic hardships, these living benefits in the U.S. are undoubtedly very attractive, as they aspire to create better living conditions for themselves and their families by obtaining a U.S. green card.
As of January 1, 2021, there are 13.1 million green card holders living in the U.S., among which 820,000 are Chinese green card holders.
This means that Chinese green card holders account for 6.3% of the total green card population, ranking second, only behind Mexican green card holders (who make up 23% of the total).
From a global immigration trend perspective, this proportion is relatively high, indicating the enthusiasm of Chinese individuals for U.S. green cards.
These 820,000 Chinese green card holders come from different regions and backgrounds, yet share a common goal—seeking better living and development opportunities in the U.S.
Among them, some come for their children's quality education, some for career advancement, and others to enjoy the U.S.'s comprehensive social welfare.
It can be said that these green card holders play an active role in various fields in the U.S., contributing to the diverse development of American society.
Geographically, Chinese green card holders are primarily concentrated in several major cities and economically developed areas in the U.S., especially New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These regions attract a large number of Chinese green card holders with abundant job opportunities, excellent educational resources, and a sound social welfare system, creating a favorable living and development environment for them.
In 2024, the number of green card applicants in the U.S. remains astonishing. According to statistics, the number of green card applicants in the 2023 fiscal year reached 34,839,412, while the U.S. immigration agency only issued 1,091,979 green cards in 2024, resulting in a green card approval rate of only 3%.
Despite the low approval rate, there is still a large number of Chinese individuals eager to obtain U.S. green cards, reflecting their persistent pursuit of this goal.
The trend of applications stems from multiple reasons. On one hand, the advantages of the U.S. in technology, education, and social welfare continue to attract Chinese people.
For those who wish to improve their quality of life and that of their families, the opportunities provided by the U.S. are undoubtedly appealing.
On the other hand, many are influenced by their surroundings and others, perceiving obtaining a U.S. green card as a symbol of success, leading them to join the ranks of applicants.
However, the low approval rates also bring immense pressure and challenges to applicants.
In the application process, applicants must prepare a large volume of materials, undergo tedious approval procedures, and endure lengthy waiting times.
For some applicants, this becomes a long and arduous battle; they must face not only the uncertainties of their applications but also the psychological and financial pressures that come with it.
Despite this, the proportion of Chinese immigrants to the U.S. remains relatively high globally, reflecting the increasing closeness of exchanges between China and the U.S. in economic and cultural aspects.
As globalization continues to advance, immigration has become a choice for more and more people, particularly against the backdrop of China's economic rise, making considerations and choices regarding immigration more complex.
The rapid development of the Chinese economy has provided more opportunities for individuals; domestic educational levels continue to rise, with many universities ranking prominently in international rankings, attracting an increasing number of international students.
This has prompted many to re-examine the meaning and value of immigration.
When deciding whether to immigrate, people need to weigh various factors comprehensively to make the choice that suits them best.
Whether staying in the country or immigrating abroad, the most important thing is to find a path that allows for the realization of personal values and family happiness.
Rational thinking and comprehensive consideration in decision-making can help individuals move forward with more steadiness and confidence.
In the context of globalization, immigration is not merely a personal choice; it is a reflection of family and national development, showcasing people's pursuit and longing for a better life.
Through rational judgment and thoughtful choices, many can create their own niche in a foreign land, contributing more to their families and society.
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