Based on a review of over 400 media
“I moved abroad” stories, about 40% obtain their visa via marriage, 16% had prior dual citizenship and 8% had a right of descent privilege. That’s 2 out of 3 had a unique immigration privilege that you probably do not have.
Category: Background
80% of “I moved abroad” stories are to Europe, but only 20% of Americans abroad live there
Media stories about Americans who move abroad are overwhelmingly biased to those moving to Europe/UK/Ireland – about 80% of all such stories. Yet only 20-23% of Americans who move abroad, move to Europe/UK.
Continue readingThe media’s portrayal of immigrants versus native born Americans
The media is biased in favoring stories about immigrant success – in business, academics and leadership roles. This bias comes at the neglect of covering native-born Americans and may lead to hostility towards immigrants.
Continue readingMedia: The media bias with “I moved abroad” stories
Most of the “I moved abroad” stories are formulaic stories designed for click bait, they misrepresent reality and ignore the pre-existing privilege of the central character. But the myth of moving abroad – or the romance angle of marrying abroad – is powerful click-bait. These stories are based on a standardized “formula” which is why they are all nearly the same.
Continue readingVacation Visits to Hawaii
About 2.5% of Americans visit Hawaii each year, but that may now be in decline owing to Hawaii’s intentional raising of prices ($400/night hotels, on average, $50-$100 per person restaurants costs).
Continue readingIndustry and academic research says travel writing has become self-centered narcissism
Industry and academic reports say most travel writing today is narcissistic, focuses on “self”, not the destination, and is focused on women (“solo female travel” stories have high engagement).
The algorithm rewards and promotes narcissistic personal stories featuring “vulnerability” (my life had bad things, so I am a victim, or scary to travel as a solo female).
Editors and content creators see this and thus, select and create more of these stories for enhanced click through and social media sharing.
Continue readingWho renounces their US citizenship?
Almost all of those who renounce their US citizenship are “long-term expatriates”, who lived abroad for decades, have prior dual citizenship, and may have been “accidental Americans” by birth but who have lived nearly their entire life elsewhere. Most renounce due to tax issues.
Continue readingThose who share luxury travel experiences on social media viewed more positively
Sharing luxury travel experiences on social media leads to positive thoughts about the person and may provide job benefits.
Continue readingImmigration: How should the U.S. handle illegal aliens?
Oregon has the broadest “sanctuary” laws and programs of any U.S. state, and is de facto, an “open borders” state regarding illegal aliens.
Continue readingThe importance of international experience – another example
Grew up in Brazil, pursued a career in ballet, lived in Europe, then switched gears and went to MIT to earn a degree in computer science. Says this illustrates the importance of a sports background, but doesn’t mention it helps to come from money too 🙂
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