13 Incredible Benefits of Holding a US Green Card

 

SAVED

1. Permanent Residency and Employment Freedom:Obtaining a green card grants permanent residency in the US, allowing the holder to live and work there indefinitely. A significant advantage is the freedom to work for any employer without needing employer sponsorship, unlike certain visa types (like EB1, EB2, EB3) which require sponsorship.

2. High Earning Potential: The speaker emphasizes the substantial increase in earning potential in the US compared to other countries, using their own experience as an example. They claim that salaries can be 10 to 20 times higher in the US, citing a personal example of a salary increase from approximately ₹55,000 per month in Pakistan to approximately ₹10,00,000 per month in the US after accounting for taxes.

3. Path to Citizenship:A green card provides a pathway to US citizenship, typically within five years, or three years if married to a US citizen. This includes obtaining a US passport.

4. Travel Benefits and Restrictions:Green card holders can travel, eliminating the need for repeated visa applications and interviews. However, a crucial restriction is imposed: they cannot be outside the US for more than six months without facing potential cancellation of their green card status. Proper documentation (Form I-131, travel documents, and a re-entry visa) is necessary for extended absences. The speaker mentions that the US passport is ranked among the world's most powerful, providing visa-free access to many countries.

5. Social Security Benefits:After 10 years of work and tax contributions, green card holders become eligible for various social security benefits, including retirement benefits, disability benefits, benefits for widows, orphans, and divorced women. This is presented as government assistance during challenging times.

6. Educational Benefits:Green card holders receive significantly reduced tuition rates at universities and colleges compared to international students, typically paying only around 30% of the international student fee. Access to subsidized federal student loans at lower interest rates (around 6%) is also a benefit, compared to higher rates for international students.

7. Family Sponsorship:Green card holders can sponsor their family members (parents, siblings, spouse, and children) for green cards, making it easier for their families to immigrate to the US. The speaker directs viewers to previous videos for more detailed information on the requirements.

8. Protection from Deportation:Once a green card is obtained, the holder is protected from deportation unless they commit illegal acts or crimes that lead to deportation proceedings.

9. Easier Access to Healthcare: Green card holders have easier access to healthcare and medical insurance compared to non-residents. They can obtain insurance through employers or purchase it independently. However, the speaker clarifies that the US government does not provide free healthcare or education like Canada.

10. Business Opportunities:The US is presented as a business-friendly environment with equal opportunities, high returns on investment (ROI), and lower taxes compared to some other countries (Canada is mentioned as an example with higher taxes and colder climate). Numerous examples of successful entrepreneurs in the US are referenced.

11. Access to Specific Jobs:Many jobs, especially in areas like federal law enforcement, military, and military contracting, require a green card. Obtaining a green card makes individuals eligible for these positions.

12. Homeownership: Green card holders qualify for mortgages and bank loans, making homeownership easier. Lower average home prices and interest rates in the US compared to Canada are highlighted as advantages.

13. Legal Protection Abroad: US green card holders and citizens receive protection from the US government if they encounter difficulties while traveling or residing in other countries. The US embassy will intervene to assist them in such situations.

Compare the Average Salaries and Purchasing Power in Germany 2023 and 2024

 The average salary and purchasing power in Germany experienced some shifts between 2023 and the available data for 2024. Here's a comparison, keeping in mind that 2024 data is not yet complete and projections may change:

Average Salaries:

• 2023: The average annual gross salary in Germany was around €53,118 (source: Stepstone Salary Report). It was approximately €58,800 for men and €48,000 for women (Federal Statistical Office).

• 2024: The average salary is projected to increase slightly. Estimates vary, but a range of €53,800 to €55,000 for the average annual gross salary seems likely based on current trends. Some sources, like the new Stepstone report, suggest an average salary as high as €59,411 .

Purchasing Power:

• 2023: Purchasing power in Germany took a hit in 2023 due to high inflation, primarily driven by energy prices and supply chain disruptions following the war in Ukraine. Although nominal wages increased, they didn't fully keep pace with inflation, resulting in a decline in real wages and a loss of purchasing power of around 4.1%.

• 2024: The situation appears to be improving slightly. Inflation is expected to cool down from 5.9% in 2023 to projected rates of around 2.7% to 3.3% for 2024. If wage growth outpaces this lower inflation rate, purchasing power should see a modest recovery. The German government expects a small increase of 0.3% in private consumption per capita.

Key Factors Influencing the Changes:

• Inflation: As mentioned, inflation is the primary driver affecting purchasing power. While 2023 saw record-high inflation, 2024 is expected to see a moderation. The European Central Bank's (ECB) monetary policy decisions, global energy prices, and the resolution of supply chain bottlenecks will all play a role in determining the final inflation rate.

• Wage Growth: Collective bargaining agreements and the overall labor market conditions are influencing wage growth. With a shortage of skilled workers in many sectors, there's upward pressure on wages. If wage growth exceeds the inflation rate, purchasing power will improve. The current expectation of the government is a nominal wage increase of 5.4% in 2024.

• Government Policies: Government measures like tax relief or energy subsidies can influence disposable income and, consequently, purchasing power. The German government implemented several measures in 2023 to mitigate the impact of high energy prices, and it's possible further actions will be taken in 2024 if needed.

Overall Comparison:

feature	2023	2024 (Projected)
Average Salary	~€53,118 (€58,800 men, €48,000 women)	~€53,800 - €55,000 (up to €59,411)
inflation	High (5.9%)	Moderate (2.7% - 3.3%)
Purchasing Power	Declined (~4.1% loss)	Slight improvement (0.3% increase expected)
Real Wage Growth	Negative	Potentially positive

Conclusion:

While the average salary in Germany is expected to increase slightly in 2024, the outlook for purchasing power is cautiously optimistic. The anticipated decrease in inflation, combined with continued wage growth, suggests a potential, albeit modest, recovery in purchasing power. However, uncertainties remain regarding the global economic situation, energy prices, and the effectiveness of policy measures. It's crucial to follow economic updates throughout the year for a more accurate picture as 2024 progresses.

Retiring at 65 is a HUGE Mistake.

 Healthy life expectancy is indeed a crucial factor to consider when planning for retirement. It is true that retiring at 65 may leave little time for enjoying retirement if one's health declines rapidly. Therefore, it is important to prioritize maintaining good health throughout life to ensure a fulfilling retirement. This includes following a balanced diet, staying physically active, and seeking regular medical check-ups. By taking care of our health, we can increase the likelihood of being able to enjoy a longer and healthier retirement.

Healthy life expectancy varies across countries. According to the World Health Organization, Japan has the highest healthy life expectancy at 74.7 years, followed by Switzerland at 74.1 years and Singapore at 73.9 years. The countries with the lowest healthy life expectancy include Lesotho at 42.1 years, the Central African Republic at 42.3 years, and Eswatini at 46.6 years. You can find more detailed information and analysis on healthy life expectancy across countries on the World Health Organization's website.

 

Data from Gallup to shows a decreasing percentage of Americans retiring at earlier ages (40-59), and a significant portion (over 30%) not retiring until after 65. This trend demonstrates a growing discrepancy between the typical retirement age and healthy life expectancy.

 

Certainly! The trend of retirement age increasing in the United States is an important topic. If you are interested in further studying this trend, you may find the following links helpful:

1. Gallup Poll on Retirement Age Trends:Gallup Retirement Age Trends

2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Retirement Data:BLS Retirement Data

3. Pew Research Center Report on Retirement Patterns:Pew Research Center Retirement Report

4. Social Security Administration Retirement Statistics: SSA Retirement Statistics

These resources should provide you with valuable insights and data on retirement age trends and patterns in the United States for further study and analysis.

 

Strategies for healthy and early retirement in the USA are crucial for ensuring a secure and fulfilling retirement. Based on data from Gallup and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Prioritize Health: Investing in healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and maintaining muscle strength is essential for a healthy retirement. Maintaining good health can not only improve your quality of life but also help reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

2. Develop a Financial Plan: Create a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account early retirement goals, such as aiming to retire around 55. This plan should include strategies for saving, investing, and managing expenses during retirement.

3. Seek Professional Financial Advice: It's important to consult with a financial advisor to ensure your retirement plan is on track. Professional financial planning can help you make informed decisions about asset allocation, which plays a significant role in determining investment success.

By combining these strategies – focusing on health, developing a sound financial plan, and seeking expert advice – individuals can work towards a healthy and early retirement in the USA. Remember, early planning and proactive steps can go a long way in securing a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

What Happens to Your Body When You Walk Every Day?

 This is particularly advantageous as individuals age, aiding in staving off cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's. Walking also enhances blood flow to the brain, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients that optimize its functioning. Even brief walks can improve creativity and problem-solving skills, making it an effective tool for addressing work challenges or personal projects. The mental clarity derived from walking often extends beyond the duration of the walk, enhancing focus and productivity throughout the day.

Sleep Quality: Attaining Restful Nights

Daily walks can also have surprising effects on sleep quality. Many individuals struggle with falling or staying asleep, and walking can serve as a natural remedy. Regular physical activity assists in regulating the body's circadian rhythm, facilitating easier sleep onset and promoting restful sleep. Walking, especially in the morning or early afternoon, exposes individuals to natural light, further reinforcing healthy sleep-wake cycles. Furthermore, the stress-relieving effects of walking can calm the nervous system, reducing nocturnal restlessness and fostering deeper sleep. The cumulative outcome is not solely improved sleep but also increased energy levels during the day, creating a positive feedback loop.

Longevity: Prolonging Life Expectancy

One of the most striking benefits of daily walking is its impact on longevity. Numerous long-term studies have established a robust connection between walking and increased life expectancy. Walking just 7,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of premature death by 50%. The amalgamation of enhanced cardiovascular health, weight management, reduced stress, and improved metabolic function contributes to this astounding statistic. Walking also aids in maintaining bone density, a critical factor in preventing fractures and osteoporosis as individuals age. It represents a comprehensive approach to bolstering the body's overall resilience, enabling individuals to age gracefully and preserve independence well into their later years. Another domain where walking shines is in enhancing the immune system.

Immune System: Strengthening the Body's Defenses

Walking has the capacity to bolster the immune system by improving body circulation, allowing immune cells to travel more efficiently to sites where they are required. This increased circulation enhances the body's ability to combat infections and recover from illnesses. Research indicates that individuals who walk regularly are less susceptible to catching colds, and if they do fall ill, the symptoms are often milder. Walking also diminishes inflammation, a pivotal factor in numerous chronic diseases. By fortifying the immune system and reducing inflammation levels, daily walking serves as a natural shield against various health challenges. The benefits of walking extend beyond individual health to encompass social connections and overall quality of life.

Social and Emotional Well-being: Fostering Connections

Walking can be a communal activity, offering an avenue to connect with friends, family, or neighbors. It presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations or simply savor someone's companionship without the distractions of modern technology. For those who prefer solitude, walking can be a time for contemplation and self-care. Regardless of one's preferred approach, daily walks can enrich life by nurturing a deeper sense of connection, whether with others, oneself, or the surrounding environment. What is truly remarkable is the swiftness with which these benefits materialize.

Quick Benefits: Immediate and Long-term Transformations

Within days of initiating a regular walking routine, improvements in mood and energy levels may become evident. Over weeks, stamina and strength are likely to increase, while physical changes such as weight loss or enhanced posture may become noticeable. Across months and years, the cumulative effects of daily walking can revolutionize health in both quantifiable and profound ways. The beauty of walking lies in its accessibility to nearly everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or location. In conclusion, walking daily transcends mere exercise; it serves as a potent instrument for enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It fortifies the heart, tones muscles, sharpens the mind, and uplifts the mood, all while being gentle on the body. It facilitates better sleep, extended life expectancy, and enhanced disease resistance. Thus, whether strolling through the neighborhood, hiking in a park, or pacing around one's home, every step taken represents an investment in health and happiness. The next time you lace up your shoes and embark on a walk, remember that you are not solely moving your body; you are journeying towards a healthier life.

The Risks of Modern Technology and Data Collection

 

The Security-Convenience Continuum

The security-convenience continuum is a concept that illustrates the trade-off between security and convenience. In this continuum, security and convenience are positioned at opposite ends.

As one prioritizes security more, the level of convenience decreases, and conversely, as convenience is prioritized, security is compromised. For instance, the speaker illustrates this concept with the example of a locked house. Highest security provides protection by keeping people locked out. However, it is also highly inconvenient.

This principle extends to modern technology, including smart devices and the Internet of Things. These technologies offer convenience but often come with reduced security. This highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing both aspects in our increasingly connected lives.

The Risks of Modern Technology and Data Collection

Many individuals, particularly those under 21, tend to overlook the security threats associated with smartphones and connected devices. Here are some key security risks:

1. Unauthorized Data Access: Smartphones and connected devices often store vast amounts of personal information. Unauthorized access to these devices can lead to data breaches, exposing sensitive information to malicious actors.
2. Data Collection Practices: Companies frequently collect extensive user data for marketing purposes. This includes call records, location tracking, and browsing habits. These can be sold or shared with third parties without users' informed consent.
3. Targeted Advertising: The use of mapping services and location data for advertising raises significant privacy concerns. For example, the collection of location data can reveal personal habits and preferences. It can also show routines, leading to excessive surveillance and loss of anonymity.
4. Personal Experiences: A common example highlighting these risks is the phenomenon where users receive targeted advertisements based on recent activities. For instance, an Amazon ad appears after a photo is taken of a book. This serves to illustrate the extensive and often invasive nature of data collection practices.
5. Concerns About Privacy Rights: The overarching theme is that individuals may not fully grasp the implications of their digital footprints. We live in an era characterized by rampant data harvesting. The reference to David Brin's "Transparent Society" highlights our interconnected world. In this world, every action can be tracked and exploited.

In conclusion, data collection poses significant risks to personal security. Additionally, the lack of user awareness endangers privacy in the digital age.

The Illusion of Privacy and Government Access to Data: I assert that people have no inherent right to privacy. This is true in the modern world. This is because they willingly relinquish it when using online services. Individuals have a federal right to privacy. However, the government can bypass this protection. It purchases data from companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Facebook.

The government does not need to violate federal law to access private data. It can legally acquire it through corporate channels. I emphasize that "nothing in this world is free." The convenience provided by free apps comes at the cost of compromised privacy.

4. Protecting Your Privacy: Proactive Measures: To maximize security, I suggest two strategies. First, understand that privacy is not genuinely expected. This is due to the ubiquitous nature of data collection and its monetization. Second, take proactive steps to limit the flow of new personal data. This involves actively combating the collection of data by data brokers, who constantly seek new information. The speaker emphasizes that individuals constantly generate new data (new photos, locations visited, purchases made, etc.), which is a valuable commodity for others.

Practical steps for enhanced security include using VPNs and blocking data brokers. Another practical step is using multiple phones. One phone is for personal use, and another is for less sensitive activities. This strategy is called having a "misattributable phone." It helps reduce the direct link between the user and their online activity. Even having two phones in the same location allows for cross-communication due to adtech capabilities.

Australian Immigration News 14.12.24. New 485 Graduate Visa laws chaos for many overseas students

 

1. Changes to the 485 Visa: The Australian government made significant changes to the 485 visa, affecting international students. Graduate certificates are no longer accepted as meeting the definition of a degree for this visa, despite a previous announcement to the contrary. Graduate diplomas are still accepted, but only if they meet strict criteria: they must have been started after completing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in the same or following academic year, and the course content must be relevant to the preceding degree. This change potentially impacts many students who have already invested time and money in these qualifications.

2. Increased Oversight of Skill Assessment Bodies: The government is implementing greater oversight of skill assessment bodies, which conduct migration assessments for various visas. These bodies, previously largely unregulated, will now be subject to government penalties, including the potential loss of accreditation. This change is driven by concerns about the efficiency and quality of their assessments, highlighted as a hindrance to obtaining visas quickly. The Minister for Skills and Training will have the power to revoke approvals.

3. Expanded Domestic Violence Provisions: New regulations expand domestic violence provisions to several visa subclasses, including parent, relative, carer, business talent, Pacific engagement, and business innovation and investment visas. This allows case officers to consider domestic violence when assessing visa applications, even if the main applicant (the perpetrator) is refused. Victims can potentially still obtain visas even if the main applicant is rejected.

4. Details on the National Innovation Visa (NIV): Further details were published on the NIV. Applicants must submit an expression of interest (EOI) that cannot be updated once submitted. The government prioritizes applicants based on criteria including recipients of prestigious international awards, exceptionally talented individuals endorsed by government agencies, individuals with skills in critical technologies, and those with expertise in specific sectors like agri-food and defense.

5. Updated Minister of Religion Labor Agreement: The agreement has been updated to improve skilled migration pathways for religious workers. Key changes include improved access to permanent residency, revised criteria for salary thresholds, qualifications, work experience, and English language requirements. This aims to accommodate diverse religious practices and organizations, enabling better access to skilled overseas workers for religious organizations involved in various activities.

Portugal Nationality Law Changes in 2024: A Faster Path to EU Citizenship!

 

1. The Announcement and Impact on Golden Visa Applicants: The text announces changes to Portuguese nationality law that significantly benefit Golden Visa applicants. These changes accelerate the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship. The changes affect both current and future applicants.

2. Previous Process for Citizenship: Before the law change, obtaining Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa program involved several steps. First, an investment was made, and a residence permit was applied for. The five-year countdown to citizenship eligibility only began *after the residence permit was approved. This often resulted in significant delays.

3. Changes Introduced by the New Nationality Law: The new law ages the timing of the five-year countdown. Now, the five-year period starts from the date of the initial application for the residence permit, not from the date the permit is granted.

4. Benefits of the New Law: The primary advantage is that any waiting time between application and permit approval now counts towards the five-year requirement. This eliminates the previous lengthy delays before the citizenship countdown commenced. Examples are given of applicants who are still waiting for biometric appointments or those who faced long delays in receiving their residency cards; the five-year period begins from their initial application date regardless.

5. Broader Significance and Call to Action: The text views this change not merely as a procedural update but as a response to challenges faced by Golden Visa investors. It aims to provide a fairer and more efficient path to citizenship. The text concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to contact the source for further information and assistance navigating the changes.