Elena from Veliky Novgorod moved to America with her husband on his work visa, and the family has stayed in the States. She notes that renting housing in Minneapolis is not cheap: the smallest two-bedroom apartment costs at least $900 a month, and heating and electricity are paid separately. Building a house independently is difficult due to the need to obtain numerous licenses and permits. Elena mentioned that their town is in a suburban area where the fare is $3.25 with unlimited transfers and is valid for two hours, while the city route costs $1. Overall, in her opinion, Minnesota is one of the most comfortable states to live in, with good jobs and infrastructure. The situation may differ in other states. There is extensive social support for the low-income: free health insurance, social housing, food stamps, and $250 a month per person. However, because of this, many do not want to work, and those who do are forced to support them, leading to high progressive taxes. These taxes are not levied if income is less than $30,000 a year. Social assistance is available only to citizens; undocumented immigrants do not receive it.

Irina Rybychan from Ivano-Frankivsk shared her life in Minnesota in an interview with "Obozrevatel." She got a job at a café in the zoo, where on the very first day she received a warning for her manicure and loose hair, which she was asked to tidy up. She worked 13 hours on her feet with a 30-minute break, receiving pay below the minimum wage and without overtime compensation. Taxes were minimal, but it was hard to get used to them, as each state taxes differently. In the end, the amount remains unchanged, as in mathematics. Regarding food in Minnesota, Irina says that you can eat in diners for $10-12, and in restaurants for $20-50, not forgetting about tips. She prefers to shop at the store to cook at home. The average grocery bill is $40-60, which lasts for three days. Supermarkets offer many opportunities for savings. Walmart, Target, and CUB are popular, as well as wholesale bases Costco and Sam’s Club, where the entrance fee is $60-120 a year, which is beneficial for large families.

Anna moved from Moldova a few years ago and registered with all the agencies she was advised to. One of the staff members took her to the hospital, where they filled out applications for various jobs. In the end, Anna got a job as a cook in a coffee shop at the hospital, even though she had no experience and knowledge of the language. The manager, an immigrant from Brazil, convinced her that she would manage, and she turned out to be right. Over four years, Anna obtained a degree as a radiologic technologist and got a job in her new profession. Together with her husband, they traveled across the country and found that Minnesota is one of the most promising and developing states, suitable for families and children. They do not regret their choice.