AndrePettersson

Although I don't actually expect them to hand out Green Cards like M&M's, 'why' have they created such a tight, tough, rigid, complex, difficult and inflexible system, that unless you fall into a few specific narrow categories, it is impossible to get in there to live and work etc?

It is also equally the same for a U.S. Citizen wanting to live and work in the UK / EU. Impossible except for a few tightly defined categories.

lansbury

It is protecting jobs, and pay, for American workers, against giving them to non Americans who might accept lower pay.

Why should we not put our own citizens first when a job with a family wage is available?

tom169

Protectionism.

geoff52

They are sovereign country, so they can make any rule they like.

geoff52

Does not look like your over it.

Pulaski

And to Mr Pettersson's point, it is actually fairly easy (it may take some time, and documentation, but in principal it is straight forward) to get a work visa IF you are a valuable economic commodity who will be an asset to Uncle Sam (O-1, EB-1), or you are a businessman or entrepreneur who will invest capital, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity (E-1, E-2, EB-5, perhaps L-1A for a new branch).

bewildering

From what I can tell the UK is leaving the EU precisely because of loose immigration policies. 6,000,000 extra people in the UK in 10 years seems like an awful lot of immigration. The increased housing demand in the UK appears to be the primary result. I used to live in England and remember how crowded it felt 15 years ago.

Similar things are happening in big cities in the USA, lots of internal migrants to Californian cities. The Los Angeles population has exploded - that has led to really expensive housing, homelessness is way up and the freeways are parking lots.

I guess that is why we have strict immigration polices?

Smartyy

To prevent this from happening:

ian-mstm

Why do you still care?


Apparently, you either haven't let go - or you're lying. Are you lying now or were you lying then?

Ian

LondonSquirrel

Globalism is the buzzword among young people nowadays. They don't believe in borders, hence the big backlash against a burger company in the UK about a year ago when they called a bunch of illegal workers to a meeting, to be met by the UK Border Force. Idiots with placards stood outside the restaurant, but I bet they wouldn't have employed those illegals themselves with a £20K fine per worker. They don't realise that if we did away with borders, the world would quickly go tits up.

scrubbedexpat099

I disagree with the premise, which other country has the DV?

carcajou

Because, if it was relaxed, everyone and their cousin would try to migrate. There is not enough employment for US Citizens now, let alone everyone who isn't, but wants to come.

Whether our politicians like it or not the first duty of any government is to look after its own citizens. "America First" resonates because it's how it should be. How long would Chancellor Merkel last if she didn't put Germany's interests before those of other countries?

Twinkle0927

I have no experience of applying for a work visa here but from what I've seen on this and other forums it's actually quite easy for the right people. Seeing the L-type applicants posting here, it seems that once the company has determined that you are the right fit for the office in the USA it's not much more than a few forms and a brief interview. And it is remarkably quick too.
I came here on a spousal visa which granted permanent residency immediately and the option to become a citizen three years later. Considering the privilege (and immigration is a privilege) has been bestowed upon me I'm surprised at how easy it was. A few forms asking very basic general questions, a general health check and a brief chat at the embassy. I spent longer at the car dealership getting my new car a few months ago than I spent at the embassy being "interviewed" for an immigrant visa.

I find US immigration is very much an "all or nothing" situation. For those with a viable path to immigration (spouses, qualifying employees, family members) it's a very simple process. For the rest it's impossible. People say "the USA is one of the hardest countries to migrate to" but that depends on who you are. For me it was the easiest place to get an immigrant visa. I imagine if I wanted to emigrate to Australia or New Zealand I'd be in the same position as the OP is with the USA - standing in front of a closed door.

For the right people in the right circumstances it's a walk in the park. It's not immigration that's difficult, it's being eligible for it that is.

Pulaski

Bingo!

johnwoo

Well there's his answer. Marry a US citizen.
Seems to be general way for most here on BE USA.