Actually the Europeans I've talked to with a small couple of exceptions very much like their "welfare state" and mainly like America for its entertainment. They do not typically want to live here. I wish I could live in Europe badly
I mean I am European :D I wouldn't wanna trade either. But there are definitely some people here who still believe in an American Dream or like the idea of earning more and spending less on taxes living in the US. Really depends who you ask.
I've visited Germany and loved it. I'm sorry to hear immigrants get exploited there like in America. Hopefully it's not as bad. Obviously it's different, from the outside looking in, but I don't hear much about hatred of immigrants in Germany like I hear about in America. And at least you all have a lot of the basic human rights and societal systems in place that in America we can never put in place because we're fully controlled by corporations run by people whose greed knows no bounds.
Germans are more reserved with their discontent I would say. Because of the history everything kinda happens behind a veil. Obviously excluding the brutal killings that happened in Hanau and the likes.
In general we're also heading into alt-right territory regarding the immigration topic. I assume we will have a conservative/right-wing government in the near future. The alt-right party is gaining numbers big time (just like everywhere in Europe), as many people were somewhat convinced that solving the immigration topic will increase wealth within the country. Truth is they only care about their own wealth and don't give two shits about the poor, even if they misuse them (poor old 'real' germans) for their arguments.
Yeah we have some good basic rights and social security nets, but I'm sure the alt-right party will try to dissolve them further. Not much hope their either. In Germany it's also the norm that people are somewhat to blame for their own missery. Just work harder etc. It's like the USA light version.
I appreciate your kind responses. It's good to get additional perspectives like yours here. You're right, the grass is always greener... But sometimes it really is (even if only marginally so)
Glad I could provide some context. Obv I'm biased by being a leftwing liberal student ;).. but I would say my perspective is not an unrealistic one on the current/future situation. I don't really shy away from talking to people outside of my bubble.
All the best to you and your life, hopefully things will get better soon in the States as well.