1. Settling in is a Breeze

My husband was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it was for him and his daughters to obtain Green Cards, even during the challenges of the pandemic. While the paperwork was daunting—especially under the Trump administration—it ultimately boiled down to patience and attending an appointment.

In contrast, in Denmark, marrying a foreigner requires navigating a complex system of permits and regulations (we ended up tying the knot in the U.S.). The process for a spouse of a Danish citizen to secure residency can take months, along with mandatory language lessons, and a hefty $15,000 collateral that is refunded after ten years. Such regulations can make it feel as if foreigners are not entirely welcome in Denmark.

In the U.S., however, my husband has never felt any hostility or unwelcomeness. "America seems to have an open-door policy, as long as you’re ready to work," he observed.

2. Varied Climate and Nature

We didn’t have to venture far—our cross-country road trip from New York to Los Angeles showcased the stunning variety of landscapes and climates throughout the U.S.

For instance, relocating from Los Angeles to Santa Monica involved just a thirty-minute drive, yet the yearly temperatures shifted from "too hot" (a frequent complaint) to "pleasant" (with occasional winter grumbles).

Later, as we explored the mountains, my husband was amazed to see snow while driving past palm trees. "There’s nowhere else like this!" he exclaimed.

Visiting the desert near Joshua Tree National Park further transformed our understanding of desert climates. We experienced everything from blistering summer heat, occasional sandstorms, and rain, to snowy, frigid nights. Whenever we traveled from Santa Monica to the desert, our packing ranged from shorts to winter coats.

Living in a place like California can be a continuous adventure if you’re willing to endure the long drives (sometimes enjoyable, sometimes challenging).

The first video showcases both the enjoyable and challenging aspects of life in Denmark, providing a humorous insight into cultural differences.

3. Citizenship by Birth

When our daughter arrived in Los Angeles in 2020, my husband was thrilled to learn that she automatically became a U.S. citizen, requiring nothing more than a birth certificate application. This concept, known as Birthright Citizenship, was a revelation for him.

While this system brings both privileges and challenges, it’s not uncommon for some to exploit loopholes, such as Birth Tourism, where individuals travel to the U.S. while pregnant to secure citizenship for their children.

4. Freedom from Perfection

One of the most liberating aspects of life in America is the general disregard for societal expectations regarding behavior, appearance, and lifestyle—as long as you respect others' space (and keep your dog on a leash).

Coming from Denmark, where there’s a strong emphasis on appearance and decorum, my husband found the American mindset refreshing. In Santa Monica, where a diverse community thrives, standing out is a challenge. In New York, one could walk around without clothes, and it would hardly raise an eyebrow.

In essence, the U.S. fosters an environment with fewer expectations regarding how we should present ourselves.

5. Age is Just a Number

In America, age does not seem to limit opportunities in the same way it does in Denmark. My husband noted that there’s an expectation to have children and settle into a career by a certain age, leaving little room for reinvention.

In Danish academia, pursuing a new field later in life is uncommon. "Reinventing yourself is not really an option," he explained.

However, in the U.S., the landscape is different. “It’s incredible how you can start anew at any age,” he noted.

I recently learned of a graduate program in the U.S. that offers full scholarships to students over 40, an initiative that reflects this ethos. My husband has embraced this mindset, transitioning from an IT career to launching a new business (with my assistance) in a completely different sector. In America, you truly can start fresh.

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it serves as a reminder that even during challenging times, there are many aspects of life in the U.S. to appreciate.