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Moving to the United States is a dream for many immigrants, offering the promise of new opportunities, diverse cultures, and a better quality of life. One of the most crucial factors to consider before making the move is the cost of living in your potential new home. From rent and groceries to transportation and healthcare, understanding living expenses in major US cities is essential for effective financial planning. 1. New York City: The Big Apple’s Premium Lifestyle When people think of the United States, New York City often comes to mind. Known for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and endless opportunities, NYC also comes with a significant price tag. The cost of living in New York City is one of the highest in the country. Rent alone can consume a significant portion of your income, with average monthly costs for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan hovering around $4,000. However, the city’s vibrant lifestyle and endless opportunities make it a worthwhile investment for many. Living Expenses to Consider: Housing: Manhattan offers proximity to the heart of the city, while Brooklyn and Queens provide slightly more budget-friendly options without sacrificing urban living. Transportation: NYC’s public transit is one of the most extensive in the world, with a monthly subway pass costing $132. Groceries and Dining: While dining out can be an indulgence, the city offers a diverse range of options to fit different budgets. 2. Los Angeles: The City of Angels with Elevated Living Standards Los Angeles, known for its sunny beaches and booming entertainment industry, offers a lifestyle that’s as dynamic as it is desirable. The cost of living in Los Angeles reflects its appeal, particularly in prime neighborhoods. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $2,500 per month, but this comes with the perks of living in a city that blends urban life with natural beauty. Living Expenses to Consider: Housing: Neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills are on the higher end, but more affordable options are available in other parts of the city. Transportation: While many rely on cars due to LA’s spread-out nature, the investment in personal transportation offers the flexibility to explore the vast city. Groceries and Dining: LA’s food scene is renowned, offering everything from affordable street food to high-end dining, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. 3. Chicago: Affordable Big City Living Chicago offers the best of both worlds – big-city amenities without the sky-high living costs of New York or Los Angeles. The cost of living in Chicago is more manageable, making it an attractive option for immigrants seeking urban life on a budget. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $2,200 per month. Living Expenses to Consider: Housing: Rent is more affordable in neighborhoods like Logan Square or Pilsen, offering good value for money. Transportation: Chicago’s public transportation system, the CTA, is extensive and affordable, with a monthly pass costing $75. Groceries and Dining: While dining out is generally affordable, upscale areas like River North can be pricier. 4. Houston: Southern Hospitality and Lower Costs Houston stands out for its blend of southern charm, economic opportunity, and affordability. This Texas city offers a cost of living that’s among the most reasonable for major US cities, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $1,500 per month. For immigrants, Houston provides a welcoming and budget-friendly environment. Living Expenses to Consider: Housing: With affordable housing options across various neighborhoods, Houston allows you to enjoy city life without breaking the bank. Transportation: While many residents opt for personal vehicles, Houston’s lower gas prices help keep transportation costs manageable. Groceries and Dining: Houston’s diverse culinary scene caters to all tastes, often at prices below the national average. 5. Atlanta: A Balanced Lifestyle in the Heart of the South Atlanta combines affordability with the vibrancy of a growing city, offering a great quality of life at a reasonable cost. The cost of living in Atlanta is appealing, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $1,800 per month. This makes Atlanta an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic city experience with a more balanced cost structure. Living Expenses to Consider: Housing: Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods offer a variety of living options, from urban apartments to suburban homes, all at competitive prices. Transportation: While a car is often necessary, especially in suburban areas, Atlanta’s living costs remain manageable. Groceries and Dining: Atlanta’s dining scene is both rich and affordable, with grocery prices in line with national averages. Tips for Finding Affordable U.S. Cities for Immigrants While major cities often attract immigrants due to opportunities and vibrant communities, they can also come with higher living costs. However, there are affordable US cities that offer a good quality of life without breaking the bank. Consider the following tips when choosing where to live: Research Suburban Areas: Suburbs often offer more affordable housing and lower living costs while still being close to job opportunities in major cities. Consider Medium-Sized Cities: Cities like Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado, offer a balance of opportunities and more manageable living costs. Evaluate Job Opportunities: Ensure the city you choose has job opportunities in your field to offset living costs. Conclusion Understanding the cost of living in US cities is a critical step for immigrants planning their move to the United States. By researching and comparing living expenses, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and lifestyle preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of New York City or the affordability of smaller areas, careful planning can help you find the right city to start your new life in the US. Considering starting your journey to the USA with the EB3 Unskilled visa? Explore our latest job offerings and locations that are ready to sponsor your EB3 journey. Click here to find the ideal opportunity and take the first step toward your American dream.

On January 21st, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President. Below are some changes we can expect that might affect EB-3 Unskilled Visa applicants: End of all Employment-Based Visa In-Person Interviews (only in extreme circumstances): Prior to the Trump Administration, it was rare that for an EB-3 Visa case to be interviewed. Those cases were all adjudicated without an interview. You will see this happening more even prior to Trump leaving office. I think even before Trump leaves, we’re going to see a lot more approvals across the board. End of Automatic Denials: Trump wrote an internal USCIS Policy memorandum allowing for automatic visa denials without the opportunity to “cure” an issue. That memorandum will be rescinded on day one and USCIS will be required to issue RFEs and NOIDs prior to any denials. Administration Processing Case Denial Clearances: Any cases from Consular to USCIS that are currently pending administrative review will be reviewed and resolved as part of a push by USCIS to clear its backlog of cases. USCIS will attempt to hire additional workers and clear up all prior backlogs for Family-Based and Employment-Based Cases. Recapture Previously Unused Green Card Numbers: There is a theory that any unused preference immigrant numbers from FY92 to the present can be recaptured. The 1990 bill seems to imply that all visa numbers had to be used, but no one has used it thus far. This could recapture a million unused Green Cards from prior years and ensure cases are current for a very long time. There would be no need to pass any legislation on this because Congress already passed this. No Inclusion of Dependents and Spouses Against Cap: Currently, dependents and spouses are included in any cap along with the main applicant so instead of 10,000 EB-3 Unskilled Visas being available, it’s really just 5,000. There is significant debate within Biden world about whether the 1990 bill meant to include dependents and spouses against the visa cap. The bill is completely silent on the matter. Several activists and lawyers are pushing for State and USCIS to simply promulgate a rule stating dependents and spouses are not in the cap and let it be challenged in Court. Several others though do not believe this will be successful because neither Congress nor the President has previously challenged this definition before and therefore since no one had any issues previously with the definition why do they have it now? Emphasis on Employers And Not Visa Applicants: USCIS under a Biden Administration will focus more on employers (Petitioners) and less on individual visa applicants. This means that should an employer have the issue, that the individual visa applicant will not be punished or threatened with visa revocation. Rescind Trump’s Travel Bans, Public Charge, and Healthcare Mandates: Biden will rescind the public charge (I-944) and Muslim ban on day one. The COVID19 bans will take a little bit more time because COVID19 is still ongoing, international travel is already down, and several countries will not even allow Americans. The bigger issue is also that, in terms of Consular, many countries are not permitting Visa Officers to return given that America is a “high risk COVID19” zone so even if we didn’t have a COVID19 ban, its likely that the wait-times for visa interviews at Consulates and Embassies will be significant for FY2021. Return of INFOPASS: Prior to the Trump Administration, if a visa applicant had an issue (error on their EAD card or did not receive their Green Card), they could go visit a USCIS office and talk to a USCIS adjudicator via INFOPASS. That will likely return and with teeth and authority. Level 2 and 3 USCIS adjudicators will take part. Congressional Bill: If an immigration bill does happen, it will likely focus on (1) doubling or tripling the visa numbers; (2) ending the diversity lottery; (3) protecting DACA recipients; and (4) more funding for the Trump wall. Trusted Employer Program: This will allow that employers with a track record of compliance with USCIS will not need to continually submit voluminous information (including company description, organizational structure, finances) for each new petition. Think of this as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Every four years, the U.S. holds a presidential election, a cornerstone of American democracy. During this time, citizens head to the polls to cast their votes for the candidate they believe should lead the country. While the process can seem complex, understanding how the U.S. elects its president and what impact it has – especially for those interested in U.S. immigration – is crucial. How U.S. Presidential Elections Work: A Brief Overview The U.S. presidential election isn’t a simple tally of votes across the country. Instead, it’s an indirect system that uses the Electoral College. Here’s a breakdown: The Popular Vote: U.S. citizens cast their votes for a presidential candidate, but these votes do not directly determine the winner. The Electoral College: Each state is allocated a certain number of electors, proportional to its population. When voters cast their ballots, they are actually voting for a slate of electors who have pledged to support a particular candidate. Winning the Presidency: A candidate needs to win the majority of electoral votes – 270 out of 538 – to become the next president. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the decision is passed to the House of Representatives. The process can be heavily influenced by political campaigning, policy discussions, and debates, especially on key issues like the economy, healthcare, and immigration. With immigration being a consistent topic in every election cycle, it’s natural for foreign nationals pursuing opportunities in the U.S. to have concerns about how the outcome might affect their path to a Green Card. Presidential Elections and U.S. Immigration Policies Each political party brings its own perspective on how immigration should be managed. However, it’s important to note that employment-based immigration programs, like the EB-3 visa category, operate under a framework of established laws that require congressional action to fundamentally change. This means that while administrations may alter specific policies or enforcement strategies, the underlying EB-3 unskilled visa – which offers an essential pathway for foreign nationals seeking U.S. employment – remains stable regardless of which party is in power. Why the EB-3 Unskilled Visa Category Is Secure Labor Market Demand: The EB-3 unskilled visa serves a crucial need for U.S. employers who cannot find enough domestic workers for certain industries. This demand exists across different sectors and geographical regions, creating a consistent requirement for workers, irrespective of the political party in power. Bipartisan Support: While immigration policies may shift, the EB-3 category receives bipartisan acknowledgment of its necessity. Both parties understand that many industries in the U.S., such as manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture, rely on foreign workers to fill labor shortages, which supports economic growth and business operations. Legal Framework: The process for changing immigration laws, including the employment-based visa categories, requires significant legislative efforts. Simply put, it’s not something that can change overnight. Laws governing visas like the EB-3 are rooted in decades of legislative work, making them more resistant to shifts brought on by changes in the administration. Staying Informed During Election Seasons As the next U.S. presidential election approaches on November 5, it’s natural to feel uncertainty about how policy discussions might affect your immigration journey. However, it’s important to remain focused on the facts. EB-3 unskilled visa programs serve the long-term economic needs of the U.S., and the structure supporting this visa category will continue to stand, regardless of the election outcome. At Alpha Global Biz, we understand how navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel overwhelming, especially during politically charged times. Rest assured, the EB-3 visa pathway remains a secure and valuable opportunity for those seeking to work and live in the U.S.