Americans!! What are my chances of survival?

Question

I've been toying with the idea of moving to America for quite some time. I'm not in a very good financial position though.

The thing is I don't want to wait for a good financial position. I realise that by waiting for that I will certainly be waiting forever.

So the question is this:

What would you suggest a young British man do if he just stepped off a plane in America with zero money, nowhere to go, and obviously no job?

Also I find it unlikely I'll be bringing any of my worldly possessions with me, so it'll be just me, the clothes i stand in, and a few little bits to keep me sane.

Just a worst case scenario, I probably will have a very limited amount of money. lol

What would you suggest to be the first thing I do if I go ahead and 'take the plunge'?

*Looking at the south end of the map with interest*

I wonder if there's anywhere round there that likes a good cycle courier?

So I couldn't just 'get legal' at the US embassy in London?

I know exactly where it is, and I'm pretty sure to pay them a visit before leaving. If I can't legally go, then I won't go. *somewhat unsure of that last bit*

Answer 1

Get a job waiting tables. There a few reasons for this:

1. It isn't terribly hard to get into.

2. It's one job where you can make good money without a degree. Even if you have one, you make better money than some jobs with a degree...that's why I still do it part time.

3. You are British. For some odd reason, Americans are fascinated with your accent. That and the story of you coming here with little money will assure you fantastic tips.

Good luck! Where are you thinking of moving to? Some places are better than others!

Answer 2

Most of the other answers said it: Come legally. I dislike slavery and I bet you do to, yet this whole illegal thing and smuggled prostitutes seems to be little more than a modern scam to reinvent slavery.
I'm curious though, why are you considering the USA? We have so many lawyers and regulations that innovation, invention and entrepreneurship are being stifled. I can't see bothering trying to get ahead around here, the footing is way too treacherous to make success likely. Look into yourself and ask what you really want to do and then look at the whole world.

Answer 3

Well you say you're young; if you're also good looking the answer is easy. Find yourself a rich woman to marry who will support you while you wait for your green card. If you're lucky, you'll meet one on the plane! It has been done before, you know. (Or, of course, if you're gay, find yourself a rich man. I don't mean to assume anything). Another option would be to find work as an illegal, but before even considering that, I strongly sugest you take a look at some of the other questions in the 'immigration' section of yahoo answers and you will see how Americans feel about illegals. I asked a couple of harmless little questions myself in that section and was amazed at the amount of hatred there is out there for illegals. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if, while I've been writing this, they've already been at work, sending some of that venom your way!

Answer 4

just come there legal because when you are illegal in America life is like hell moso of the time . So if you come legal you can come to go to college and earn and education then you will be able to make money . But if you are living a good life where you stay at now . then u thinking about immigrate here illegal when you cannot even lean on anyone when you can get there . I will suggest you to stay where you ate . because even though for some many who are legal in that coutry life is like hell . So come legal then earn a education then you will be able to get a job . Then in this case you will be ok . if you are a really willing person in everything that you are doing .
Godd luck my friend

Answer 5

Bunny, bunny, bunny . . . are you sure you don't want to save a little money first???? Okay . . .

STAY AWAY FROM NEW YORK.

Consider the Carolinas rather than Florida.

If you have a degree, make sure you have an awesome resume.

If no degree, be prepared to struggle to find work.

Food service and retail are the best places for steady work. I would focus more on retail because food service really sucks.

Visa required.

Consider roommate services when looking for a place to live. Or renting a room. Apartments (flats?) are expensive no matter where you end up.

Good luck, dollface. OMG. I am a bit worried about this one for you. ((((((bunny))))))

Answer 6

You need a work visa first. I'd suggest you find a business to sponsor you or you will find yourself an "illegal alien" in no time flat. It won't be fun gathering at the 7-11 with all the other illegals waiting for someone in a truck to take you off for the day of cheating the government out of their tax monies---especially if you don't speak spanish.

If it helps, a lot of restaurant chains sponsor europeans.

Answer 7

I think you should job hunt before coming here and get a work visa through your new employer. Be aware that your work visa is tied to your employer - so if you quit or are laid off, there goes your legal status. And ICE isn't very forgiving these days, charming British accent or not.

Answer 8

Are you coming here legal like? if not stay there. if so for starters just so you don't go under go to a day labor service it's only minimum wage but its something and most Good workers get hired on full right away.
Also there are places for immigrants to get a start I don't know where you'll be coming in at but you can look in the phone book probably and find them.

Answer 9

Why would you go to paranoid land. May I suggest somewhere where you may bring a few pounds and live for quite a while? Try Latin America, we're more fun and we do know where the UK is in the map.

Answer 10

Get a job. Bring your best neatest clothes to interview in. You should have no problem. You can rent rooms by the week until you get a job. Live somewhere near a bus route or public transportation, or be close enough to walk to work.