Should we go, or should we stay?

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tom1941

I would imagine the reason that this is such a problem is that it will be much easier to get your children in the U.S.A. if you qualify and they are minor children. Once they are out of college they will have to apply and qualify on their own. I do not think some answering your question understand that.

If your children do not get a college education life will be difficult for them in the U.S.A. and job prospects will be bad there. It is very expensive to live in California. In most States except on the West and East Coast you could get a pretty decent apartment or house for $800 a month.

In many States after living in the State for one or two years your children could qualify for reduced tutition rates at State Supported Colleges as long as they are legal immigrants.

Peer presure is a real issue when it comes to gangs.

If I was faced with your problem my decision would be based upon my children being able to get a college education. If they could do that in the U.S.A. then I would certainly want to give my children the opportunity to a better life in the U.S.A. If later they decide they want to return to the Philippines they could. Parents sometimes qualify for a Visa and never attempt to get their children to the U.S.A. until they are adults and find it is then to late for the children.

I wish you the best.

Bopols

You said "stay here and give your kids a college education with poor job prospects".

You are trashing the Philippine education system.

In that case, I suggest that you go, so you will understand better what you are talking about.

I never feel good about Filipinos thinking that a college education in the US will give them better job prospects. That is one fat lie. (Except if you are sending your kids to Ivy League schools - Harvard, Yale etc. But then you can hardly afford to pay for a decent apartment there).

The graduates from the Philippines' good schools can give their US counterparts a run for their money anytime. At the end of the day, getting employed is a competition among the best candidates for the job. Among applicants for jobs in my office, I have only considered 2 of them seriously, and actually hired one. He has since left us because he could not cope, and could not measure up with my staff who mostly graduated from La Salle, UP, and Ateneo.

annabelle p

Stay then. The risk is so high if you push through with your idea of living in such a neighborhood in the US. There are good schools here that can give equally good education to your children. Job prospects are not really that improbable if you have the right qualifications, right attitude and good education. But even so, your children can always apply for jobs abroad when the time comes; what is important is that they get the chance to go to school which they couldn't if you pursue your plan of going to the States. Better think hard and give importance to your kids' future.

St.Elmos Fire

Stay awhile and let your children finish their studies before going to California for good.This way you avail of the better living standards here for the moment and then avail of the better living prospects there after your kids are equipped with the needed skills and education.

purple & pink

you should stay. there are lot of schools/universities here that offer higher standards of education. and SAFETY is the most important thing for your kids..

tamarindwalk

At the rate things are going here...better to take your risks in the U.S.
This place is not going to change in your lifetime - and in the end, being a responsible parent will keep your kids from getting involved in gangs and other problems in the States. Just remind them of your sacrifices and that their lives and futures are determined by what they do now.

Johny

Come here to Australia instead. Its easier to move here, better paying jobs and the people are nice. Why do filipino's always go to america that place is not good for filipino's.

Soop3rNLuVkJB

You better stay...
With your money you can send your children to good schools, like Ateneo, etc.
I guess they will be as competent as what you are expecting them to be.
I think ones success is not determine by the name of schools, success still depends on the person...
Goodluck...

Tropic-of-Cancer

I think you should stay.

Firstly I am British, I have a Filipina wife and a daughter. My wife and I lived for a few years in England, then we moved here, our daughter was born here.
The standard of education in the schools here is good, and if you use private schools your children get more intensive tuition. I should know as we are funding many nieces and nephews through university.
Here the family unit is all important to most, and that is a good environment in which to bring up your children. Many degrees in the Western World, aren't worth the paper they are printed on.
Consider carefully the Philippines is a beautiful country, inhabited by warm and friendly people. The guidance is there for the young.

fakebobjones

I don't think she is saying the schools are better in the states-just the job prospects.

Why must it be California? Do you have family there? Whereabouts? LA? Bay Area?

How old are the kids? Residency in CA is either one year or 18 months (I am not sure) which you will need to have PRIOR to starting college otherwise you will pay non-resident rates that will kill your wallet.

Are your papers completed? If so, let them stay here until after college and they can make the choice then to move. Most companies in the states do not look down at all on an education from here so that would not be a problem. The fact that they have a degree would be more than enough.

Q5 Y

It's really hard to migrate in the US. You will need to adjust to everything, especially if you are used with having someone helping you with chores. It is a working culture here in the US, fast phase ika nga. High standard of living and there's no job stability anymore.

But as pinoys we are capable in handling any problems. and can easily adjust to any culture. If you guys have decent job in Phil. just stay there. It's not easy to live abroad.

If you are willing to sacrifice and you have your education and street smart attitude. You will succeed. BUT IT AIN'T EASY!!

Romerico G

based on your 2 other questions, it looks like you're just about ready to go (maybe at the end of the school year?)...so you're thinking about stockton, ca...i haven't been to stockton but i know there's a big pinoy community there, which could be a curse or a blessing.

at any rate, if you are having second thoughts (or mixed feelings), then maybe the better decision is to delay your coming to the states. while it may be true that job prospects in the phils are rather poor (unfortunately), we still have top-notch schools where your kids can attend college. and believe me, college in the states is very expensive altho quality-wise, not necessary better than phils. schools.

a brighter scenario would be to stay right where you are, let the kids start (and possibly finish) college in the phils. and then migrate to the states when ALL of you are really ready - financially and emotionally. or the kids (after college) can go on their own - one at a time!

good luck!

Aref H4

The Question is academic since you stated "it is almost impossible to live in California on our budget".

However, if you have connections with the "Mission Impossible" team, they might work on it, since for them - "the difficult take only a moment, and the impossible takes a just bit longer".

lira

why not stay here then, after your kids graduate from college, you all go to Cali. at that time your kids could help provide a nice place and a better living. university is expensive in the US so you might reconsider staying here.

anne

stay.. our country has many good schools its up for the student to make it up.....

Bitter Guy

Go already. There is a bigger possibility of a better life in a first world country (unless you haxe a profitable business here in the Phils.).

noldzki

based from the details of your Q, i am sensing that your heart wants to stay. there are a lot of reputable schools here wherein you can give your kids a good education. after that, they can opt to find a greener pasture in the US or other countries. so, stay please...

EVK

there are better places to live than California

Karl Steven M

California is just one of the 52 states of US... try some other states at least you'll still be in US.

CIBERPACKER (INCH RATA)

i think that is a song old song singed by THE CLASH hahah
hey first security your family integrity
well good luck in any way
ok!?=)

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