Hello,
I am an American with Socialist Democrat leanings, as are my family. I am unhappy with the direction America has taken due to loss of control of the government by it's citizens, and it's takeover by Corporate America. I fear the demise of the middle class and the ability for my children to build a better lifestyle than I was able to do. I am a great admirer of the Scandinavian Countries and the way the people still seem to control their government. I also admire the more Socialist way they conduct themselves. I am pushing my children to try to immigrate to either Norway or Sweden as soon as they get their degree, and become citizens. They both have a lot to offer their country of choice. They are both just 3rd generation Americans on their Mothers side. They are of pure Swede and Norwegian blood on that side of their family. I am of English descent. I don't want my children to live so far away from me in my old age, but I am willing to sacrifice my needs and wants if it will make their lives, and my descendents lives, better. I'm afraid I'm too old and handicapped to be of value as a citizen, so I know I have no chance of immigrating, or I would. I'm stuck here. I would like others opinions if I am doing the right thing, that live in Norway. Should I continue to push my children to immigrate? What are any downsides, (Other than the cold winters)? I would also consider Iceland as a suitable Country for them to live.
Should I continue to push my two kids to immigrate?
pushing your kids to do something they're not wholeheartedly interested in doing themselves is sure to backfire imo. Moving, dealing with paperwork, and trying to integrate into a new culture and language isn't easy- they've got to be committed to it themselves. Particularly if you're talking about getting Norwegian citizenship, it requires years of residency, and as the current laws go, giving up other citizenships.
as for whether it's politically better than in the USA, every country has pros and cons. After spending years abroad, I've learned that some things are better in other countries, some things aren't.
my parents encouraged and supported me to travel abroad, to take internships abroad, and when I wanted to move, they helped me wholeheartedly. They never told me what I was supposed to do and for that I'm extremely grateful.
I agree with your response for the most part. But, when I say I am pushing my children to immigrate, I should say encourage. I can't force my college aged children to do anything. But, I would like them to accept my opinions based on many years of life experience. We are a well traveled family, I made sure of that while they were growing up so they would have a well balanced view of the world. The difficulties you mention are real, but not overcomeable. If their specialty is in demand in a country, there should be no problem finding a job. They are not seeking asylum from poverty, they are offering valuable skills to a new country.
Thanks.
If they are in college, my advice would be to suggest they do a university year in one of the countries you are interested in. This could be a good trial to see if they liked it with a little less pressure and financial risk.
It is easier to make friends and adapt to new things at university age when you are more likely to be single, can live in a student apartment, have more time to learn the language and make contacts.
If they aren't interested in doing this then I wouldn't push it any further. It's not always a walk in the park moving here, and you should really want to do it for yourself.
Good luck
Hi NZTess,
Thank you for your contribution 
Maximilien
Expat-blog Team
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