I come from a family of immigrants, but I was born and raised in the US. I understand both cultures (if you consider “American” a culture), and growing up- I never understood why my parents and uncles/aunts worked their asses off in the US but would go back to the motherland to spend their money.
A few years ago, I met an Uber driver from Turks and Caicos. Amazing guy, and I started talking to him about how I also did Uber, alongside many of my cousins who recently came to the US and are doing Uber for work. He basically told me he does the same thing my parents and uncles have been doing for a long time now- he works Uber and some side jobs, month to month, and then goes back to his home to spend that money. He gets his medical work done there, dental work, and buys everything he needs back home. He is setting himself up for retirement back there as well, and built himself a very beautiful villa.
It hit me, the thing that my parents and uncles/aunts have been doing this entire time is what America is really about it. America is only good for one thing, and that is to hustle, make money here, and spend it elsewhere.
For non-immigrant Americans, it would behoove you to understand this as well. You may be able to live somewhat of a decent life if you can find the fine line between hustling in the US, but enjoying life elsewhere.