Stefania Muggianu

What about Transperfect Translations?

They may hire international staff... i realize you already have a client base, but perhaps you could incorporate working for them as well... And they would probably give you insurance, which is imperative because health insurance costs for the self-employed (freelancers) are extremely high... (i know 'cuz i was one until recently...)

Google them. i believe they have offices in major cities across the US.

Dear AlHayatZween,

Thanks but... no thanks!

Vanee has perfectly explained why a few messages ago.

Plus, I would not want Transperfect among my clients even now, as a freelancer, so much less would I want to go work with them as an in-house translator.

But thanks for trying!

Stefania

Another thing that I love is that America is so green! This color is everywhere (OK, less in New Mexico or in that area of the US...), with public parks and gardens, ponds, squirrels and ducks... Even sidewalks have green in them. As a nature lover, I just love this. And I miss it here so much.

If the US doesn't work out for you, I think you would love the West Coast, Vancouver Island, and Gulf Islands area of British Columbia, Canada. It has lots of nature, it doesn't get very cold in the winter, and it isn't far to travel to the US whenever you want to visit. And Canada has some advantages of its own.

Thank you Vanee,

I am sure that Canada - all of it - is a beautiful country and its natural landscapes are simply majestic! However, I have heard that immigrating there is as difficult as in the US, though! But in any case, I'd rather live in a place that's hot 12 months a year! For some of you this may sound crazy, but I just love the sun, brightness and clear skies, what can I do?

Ciao!

Stefania

Dear HighwayStar,

You have made some excellent points and I am all the more happier because you are Italian and you can testify that what I have been trying to say is true. Actually, so much more could be added but it would take ages to write everything about Italy's situation!

[Anyway, unlike Stefania, I have no 'illusions' about the US - through my fiancé, my visits and, of course, other people's experiences, I have got quite a clear idea of what to expect.]

Well, I would not speak about "illusions". I know what to expect, too, and I don't mind. I have already said that I know both strong and weak sides of the US, and that I am aware that there is no heaven on earth. Actually, I could go even further by saying that there are certain things about the US that I don't like AT ALL, not to mention certain attitudes and behaviours of a few categories of people (but I will NOT go into detail here). Nevertheless, I fell in love with this country and its greatness (in all senses) when I was a teenager, well before going to live there for one whole year, and this love has never decreased in all these years. On the contrary, the more I go and spend time there, and the more I see myself living there and NOT living here.

Another thing that I love is that America is so green! This color is everywhere (OK, less in New Mexico or in that area of the US...), with public parks and gardens, ponds, squirrels and ducks... Even sidewalks have green in them. As a nature lover, I just love this. And I miss it here so much.

[it does happen that another country may be more compatible with someone's personality.]

Yes, that's exactly right.

[That said, we should all be aware that NO place is perfect, and that idealising a country may be dangerous, because it exposes us to disappointment.]

Absolutely right, too. This is not my case, though, as explained above.

You all have a great week-end!

Stefania

[Dear Stefania, as most of the people mentioned already this is a website based on family visas...]

Yes Daphne,

I know and I apologize for posting my message here. I was googling here and there in search of a place where people could help me and I found this forum, but I didn't immediately realize that it was one based on family visas... That was a mistake I made but, at the same time, I am not minding "chatting" with you all and I thank you for the time you are taking to read and take part in this thread.

[Although I always loved US, I used to spend sometimes here to study or on vacation, as Italian, after 2 years living here, I must say that there are not so many special things about USA.]

Well, we all have different opinions and this is the way it's supposed to be, otherwise the world would be so boring!

[i've been realizing for example that the medical situation if you are in Europe or in Canada is much better. Here in USA, if you don't have a good job, or you lose your job, it is sucks, because you are not covered by ANY medical insurance.]

This way people will think that healthcare in Italy is free. It's everything BUT free! I pay 23% (yes, you read it right) of my income to INPS (National Health Insurance) and that is A LOT OF MONEY!!! And what for? Many hospitals are dirty, some treat you for things you don't have and don't treat you for the issues you do have, some surgeons "forget" surgical tools in your body after surgery, and on and on and on. Of course, not everything is bad but my point is: I DO pay for my healthcare! Plus, I could afford to pay for a medical insurance in the US, I make enough money for that and so much more.

As for losing jobs in the US, I read just a few days ago (on Time Magazine) that unemployment in the US is barely 5.7%, which is nothing compared to Europe. And during my recent trip to the US I saw so many "Now hiring" signs everywhere... I think being unemployed in the US is just an excuse. You may not immediately get the same job level that you just lost, but in the meantime, as you keep on looking, you can still do something else to keep paying your bills. Here in Italy, if you happen to lose your job when you are, say, over 40, that's it, forget about getting another one - you are too "old" and young, inexperienced people cost much less.

[...the gas price is getting bad every day, the living cost is not better than Europe, so I really don't understand what's so special about USA lately.]

Again, we pay double the price for gas as you guys pay. Please do not complain! And the cost of living is MUCH better (i.e. cheaper) than in Europe or, at least, in Italy. I have made careful comparisons, I am not making anything up, and I know several people who know both situations very well who agree with me.

[i know Florida very very well, because I lived there for 1 year, long time ago, and I do understand what you mean. The weather is nice, but there are some other places down there very pretty, where they do speak english...]

I don't get this. If you are referring to the fact that lots of Spanish is spoken in the Miami area, well it's not like that everywhere. The town where I want to move is Melbourne, on the Space Coast, in Central Florida, where ONLY English is spoken and signs in the stores are not bilingual like in Miami...

[i wish you good luck, ]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

Stefania

Many people I know have visited the US and said that they would like to live there... I'm wondering if they're only seeing the fantasy side of it.

I don't know about the others, but this does not apply to me. I have lived one whole year in the US as an exchange student a few years ago, and I never - NEVER, not for a single split second - missed "bella Italia".

I am not as naive as some of you may think. This could be the most important decision in my life and I am not taking it lightly. I'll keep on trying to find ways to move. After all, should I realize that I made a mistake, I will still be an Italian citizen and I could move back whenever I want to.

Stefania

I don't know, but seems kind of odd to me, to have someone with an established business pushing sooo bad to want to be in the US. If you have a business, can take it everywhere with you, Florida is essentially the same weather as most of Italy, are you after only the super friendship of Americans?

NO, IT'S NOT!!! I live in northern Italy and we have basically two seasons: very hot (but it only lasts a couple of months) or very cold. We used to have spring and fall but those temperatures are becoming rarer and rarer.

And by the way, do you think that the nice weather is the only reason why I want to move to the US, and especially Florida? That would be ridicolous... As I have already said, it's the lifestyle and the mindset - I feel much closer to you than to Italians.

As someone already mentioned, our economy sucks, our dollar devalued, our gas skyrocketed, I mean its like heaven here j/k.

Sure, that's all I have heard in the three weeks that I have just spent in the US. But guess what? I work for European companies and I gain in EUROS. Does that tell you something?

Oh, and last but not least, gas in Italy costs twice as much as in the US. We pay approx. 1.5 Euros per litre. Not to mention energy and gas prices, and food and basically EVERYTHING else.

Stefania

[The thread starter has spent years building her own business, which she can continue with wherever she lives. But she couldn't continue with it if she had to take a full-time job other than her current work to live in the US. Therefore, working for the UN isn't a viable option for her.

Thank you, Vanee,

You could not have explained it any better!!!

Stefania

Thanks Catrocks.

My husband is a photographer and web designer. I don't think they need him at the embassy!

But thanks for trying to offer tips and advice, I really appreciate it!

Best of luck to both of you and may you move to New England as soon as you desire it!

Stefania

Yes Gemmie,

We also tried that (finding an employer for my husband, who is more "flexible" than me - I would never give up my business after all it took me to build and establish it) but could not find anybody willing to sponsor him or to simply go through the hassle involved.

But thanks for suggesting that!

Stefania

Dear all,

Thanks to all of you who are trying to help, even by telling me what the brutal reality is...

Marriage is not an option because... it's too late for that!

Investing 500,000 dollars is also not an option because I am not a millionaire.

Moving to Canada? Too cold for me. My dream is to move to Central Florida, on the east coast, where there is no winter and no snow (I know, a few hurricanes every now and then, but I think I can bear with that! ).

Australia? I am sure it's very nice down there but I have never been there, whereas I know the US very well (and believe me, I know the good AND the bad of this great country, but I still LOVE it and LOVE its people - I just can't help it).

I'll keep on trying with the Green Card Lottery. A few days ago I met (by e-mail) and Italian colleague who won it four years ago but has never used it and doesn't know if she ever will. I could kill her if I had her in front of me. Why in the whole universe has she applied, depriving someone else who REALLY wants and is ready to go from winning? By the way, do you think her green card could be passed on to me? Is it transferable?

This morning I heard from a lady in Florida who knows an employee at the Miami embassy. She told him about us and he said that he is going to give us the phone and fax number of an immigration attorney in Miami who should be able to help us. I don't see how but I am curious to speak to him as soon as I get his number.

If any "miracle" happens (and I do believe in miracles!) I'll keep you posted.

You all have a great day,

Stefania

Thank you all for the... discouragement.

So how did you all manage to immigrate? Did you all marry an American citizen? Or did you find an employer to sponsor you? We even tried that, but nobody was willing to do it...

How were you able to get the green card?

Stefania

Why do I want to move? You have to LIVE in this country to understand. Italy is NOT what the whole world thinks it is: nice weather, good food, joyful people, pizza, spaghetti and fashion. I have never loved it, whereas I have always felt at HOME in the USA.

Yes, there is an investment-based visa but you have to invest something like 500,000 dollars, which we don't have.

I feel so frustrated...

Stefania

Thanks to all of you who tried to help. I've tried them all, believe me, including the lottery. I have been participating for years but nothing so far. I actually did not try the UN solution because I would not want to move to NYC, nor would I be interested in working for the UN - I have plenty of work already and I don't think I could be able to keep offering a good service to my current clients if I had to work for the UN, too.

Why is it just not possible to "transfer" my current business over to the US? We make a good income and we would be able to keep our current client base, because they don't care where we live. Is it really impossible???

I am getting more and more desperate, all my sources are being so negative... I am even in touch with a few immigration attorneys from Philadelphia and even they keep telling me the same things, but nobody can suggest how we can move our already established business...

Stefania

Hello,

Please somebody help me, I just don't know what to do anymore! I have been trying to find any useful information for years now, but I just can't manage to find somebody to really tell me what I should do.

I am a freelance interpreter and translator from Italy. I have a lot of work and a good income. I would keep on working for my current clients (who are spread all over the world) because they don't care where I live. So work and income are guaranteed. How can I move to the USA? What are the practical steps that I should take?

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks!

Stefania

www.italian-translation-services.com