Is the “Land of Opportunity” Still Worth It in 2025?
"Why do so many immigrants choose to move to the US versus all the other first world countries that have better health care, education, and less violent crime?" - A popular reddit thread sparked a key question.
And at the very top of the most agreed comment, is the "opportunity to make money like no other countries" Is it true? Are the common perceptions of poor healthcare, crime, and violence in the U.S. also true? If so, why do people still want to immigrate here?
In this article, we will break down advantages and benefits that lead to huge interest in immigration to the U.S.
Table of Contents
Why Do So Many Immigrants Still Choose the U.S.?
(1) Career & Income Potential: The Biggest Reason People Still Choose the U.S.
(2) U.S. Degrees Are Still One of the Most Valuable in the World
(3) Freedom, Flexibility & Entrepreneurship: What Sets the U.S. Apart
Final Thoughts: Why the Rewards Still Outweigh the Risks
Why Do So Many Immigrants Still Choose the U.S.?
Despite the challenges, the U.S. continues to attract millions of newcomers each year. Economic opportunity remains the top reason—people come for better jobs, higher salaries, and the chance to build wealth in a way that’s harder at their home country.
Others are drawn by the U.S. Education (ranked top 1 by the US News) , the chance to start their own business, or the freedom to switch careers more easily than in countries with stricter employment systems. Even though the U.S. may rank lower on healthcare or safety metrics compared to places like Canada or Germany. For many, the potential rewards still outweigh the risks.
(1) Career & Income Potential: The Biggest Reason People Still Choose the U.S.
As one Redditor pointed out—and hundreds agreed—the biggest draw to the U.S. is simple: you can make more money here than almost anywhere else. While other countries may offer better social benefits or lower crime, the U.S. still leads when it comes to career earnings and job growth, especially in tech, business, engineering, and healthcare.
1. U.S. salaries rank among the highest globally.
According to Glassdoor, the average software engineer salary in the U.S. is around $120,000 USD per year, with some companies offering well over $150,000. In comparison, in Germany, the average is around $65,000 USD (Source), and in Canada, it is in the same range. Germany also has a 14% lower cost of living (counting rent) compared to what the US has. That difference between Canada and the US is at a similar 13%.
For the medical field, U.S.-based doctors have higher average salaries compared to other countries with large immigrant populations, like Australia, Canada, and the UK. While the average annual salary for a doctor in the U.S. exceeds $260,000, the corresponding figures for Australia, Canada, and the UK are approximately $200,000, $175,000, and $170,000, according to World Population Review's 2025 report.
Therefore, even after you consider the cost of living, the U.S. Professionals take home more in net earnings, especially in places with strong job markets like Silicon Valley and New York.
2. Visa programs that support career growth.
The U.S. also offers structured programs like:
-
CPT: A work authorization that allows them to work for an employer outside of the university while still maintaining full-time study.
-
Day 1 CPT: A type of CPT that allows students to start practical training/employment as early as the first day of school. If this program setting mixes learning with working suit what you're looking for, we're happy to offer more resources to help you find the right school.
-
OPT and STEM OPT-Extension: A work authorization that allows international graduates to work full-time for up to 3 years post-graduation
-
H-1B Visa: A temporary work visa offering a path to long-term employment, usually up to 6 years. Getting an H-1B means a having more reliable pathway to employment-based green cards.
Working in the U.S. Without H-1B: 8 Alternative Options to H-1B Visa
(2) U.S. Degrees Are Still One of the Most Valuable in the World
For many students, getting a degree from a U.S. university means more than having top tier education—it’s a global passport to better opportunities. Even with rising tuition costs and complex immigration rules, a U.S. master’s degree still holds weight across industries and borders.
1. U.S. universities lead global rankings.
Top American institutions consistently dominate international rankings in STEM, business, and research. According to Times Higher Education, 7 out of the 10 best universities of 2025 are from the United States. Graduating from a U.S. university can instantly boost your resume—whether you plan to stay in the U.S., return home, or move to another country.
2. Degrees are designed to connect directly to work opportunities.
Most graduate programs in the U.S. aren’t just academic—they’re career-driven. Many schools offer support for internships, job seeking, and hands-on training. Programs that include CPT or Day 1 CPT allow you to work off-campus while studying, giving you a head start on building your U.S. work experience.
3. Better global ROI compared to many other countries.
Although schools in countries like Germany or Canada may be cheaper, the U.S. offers stronger long-term earning potential and employer recognition. That makes a U.S. degree one of the best return-on-investment decisions for students aiming for a global career.
(3) Freedom, Flexibility & Entrepreneurship: What Sets the U.S. Apart
Beyond just getting a degree or a job, many immigrants are drawn to the U.S. for something bigger: the freedom to take initiative, pivot careers, or even build something from scratch. The American system, more than most, gives ambitious individuals room to grow.
1. The U.S. supports people who want to create their own path.
Whether you're looking to switch industries, freelance, or start a company, the U.S. makes it easier than many other countries to pursue that freedom. It’s common—and often expected—for professionals to explore side projects, move between roles, or even launch startups. Few countries offer the same scale of opportunity and support system—from tech ecosystems like Silicon Valley to venture capital access and entrepreneurship centers on campus.
2. Visa and green card systems for talents and entrepreneurs
For those who take initiative and succeed, the U.S. immigration system offers multiple visa routes that recognize talent, leadership, or impact:
-
O-1 Visa: for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, arts, or education
-
EB-1 & EB-2 Green Cards: allows advanced-degree holders to self-petition for a green card if their work benefits the U.S.
-
EB-5 Green Card: Allows global entrepreneurs to start a new business in the US and earn permanent residency
While these paths are selective and require strong documentation, they reward individuals who take action and build a standout profile.
F-1 to Green Card: 6 Common Ways for International Students to Get a Green Card
Final Thoughts: Why the Rewards Still Outweigh the Risks
The U.S. is far from perfect—its healthcare system is expensive, immigration rules can be stressful, and safety concerns vary by region. But for many international students and professionals, these challenges are outweighed by what the U.S. uniquely offers: unmatched career earning potential, globally respected degrees, and the freedom to grow, pivot, or even build something entirely your own. Whether it’s the chance to work through CPT or OPT, transfer employers on an H-1B, or eventually self-petition for a green card based on your achievements, the U.S. is one of the few places that rewards ambition at every stage. That’s why, even in 2025, the “Land of Opportunity” still earns its name—for those who are ready to seize it.
