Let see, immigrants like myself came to the US with nothing but clothes on our back and within a few years, we, most of us, are sucessful and live the American dream. I wonder why. Maybe because:
1. In HS, I studied hard, did my homeworks, worked part time to earn money to help with the bills. I walked to school and work all those years, too poor to buy even a POS vehicle.
2. After HS, I went to college with scholarship, grants, work study, part time job to get by. I drove a POS vehicle because that all I could afford. Sometimes, I drove the bus because the vehicle would not started.
3. After college, I went to work for a Fortune 500 company <applied and got it by myself..no need for affirmative action or set aside programs>, studied for my MBA at night because the employer would paid for it. After a few years, I saved enough money to buy a brand new crossover SUV with my own money.
4. After I finished my MBA, I got a good job because of my work references and my MBA <my current boss also studied for MBA while she was working full time...so she knew what kind of work ethics and dedication I capable of>. I also have a small business that I am working on in the last few years. I make good money but I save as much as I could <50% or more> plus I also invested my money wisely. I am planning to buy a brand new house within a year or two, with over 20% of down payment so I won't have to pay PMI and better rate <the $ is from my savings and business/investment>.
So what are my secrets? Easy answer = hard work, dedication, study hard, and never quit. I work for my term gain, slowly and steady and didn't want to do anything illegal for a quick buck. If I and others like myself can do it, why can't the natives?
If you have a mind and healthy body, there is no reason you can't be successful in the US if you really try your best. IIRC, Thomas Edison said something like ...Sucess is 90% sweat.