Frontiers of Equality in the Development of EU and US Citizenship

Author: Dr Jeremy B. Bierbach

Jeremy Bierbach (1975) is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics, Jeremy worked as an IT specialist for several years. In 2001, Jeremy emigrated to the Netherlands. In 2003, he changed his career direction. He studied law at the University of Amsterdam, earning a bachelor’s degree in Dutch law in 2006 and a master’s in constitutional and administrative law in 2007. Jeremy subsequently worked as a legal advisor through Avocado Legal, where he focused on immigration and European migration law. In January 2014, Jeremy joined Franssen Advocaten and was sworn into the Dutch bar as an attorney. In September 2015, he successfully defended his PhD thesis in European constitutional law at the University of Amsterdam. A commercial edition of his thesis, Frontiers of Equality in the Development of US and EU Citizenship, was published in 2017 by Asser Press.

His specialty and focus of interest are in invoking norms of international law — EU law in particular — as a source of protection for members of minority groups who are unrepresented or underrepresented in the democratic process: in particular EU citizens, their non-EU citizen family members, and other non-EU citizen immigrants to the Netherlands (including British citizens as former EU citizens).

Takeaways

• Amsterdam is a popular city due to its charm and infrastructure.
• The Netherlands is located northwest of Europe and is known for its flat landscape and canals.
• Amsterdam has a temperate climate with short days in winter and long days in summer.
• The city has a history of tolerance and a vibrant LGBTQ community.
• Housing in Amsterdam can be expensive, with limited availability.
• Utilities, including gas and electricity, can be costly.
• The price of groceries in Amsterdam is lower compared to the US, with high-quality produce available.
• Meeting friends and gay people in Amsterdam is relatively easy due to the city's diverse and inclusive culture.
• The Red Light District is a famous area in Amsterdam known for its adult entertainment. Obtaining a visa in the Netherlands is challenging for non-EU citizens, as Dutch immigration law is based on the concept that the country is already whole and has a housing shortage.
• The only ways for non-EU citizens to move to the Netherlands are through family connections, work-related migration, or the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, which allows US citizens to legally reside in the Netherlands to develop and run a business.
• Living in Amsterdam has its advantages, such as a high quality of life, good infrastructure, and a vibrant queer scene. Still, it also has limitations, including limited housing stock and strict zoning regulations.

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Eric is French, born and raised in Paris where he lived and worked as a business journalist until Michael and he left for Malta.

Michael is American by birth (born in Hollywood, Florida) and became French while living in Paris. An HR Executive for 2 very large conglomerates, Michael has moved around a lot for his companies and traveled the world.

He and Eric decided that life was too short to pass up a move to somewhere warm, and sunny yet still close to Eric's family in Paris. They decided to move to Malta in 2014 and opened a couple of rental properties before restoring an ancient property to become a boutique hotel, Senglea Suites.

Summary:

• Eric Tenin and Michael Salone discuss their move from Paris to Malta.
• Reasons for choosing Malta as their new home.
• Climate, expat community, LGBTQ+ acceptance, language, and local economy discussed.
• Integration and acceptance of foreigners, cost of housing, and living expenses explored.
• Various aspects of living in Malta covered: taxes, cost of living, the impact of expats, rental properties, quality of life, healthcare system, services, amenities, food prices, transportation, infrastructure, proximity to the airport, and low crime rate.
• Gun laws and safety, cultural differences, honesty, safety for women, homelessness, challenges, access to goods/services, obtaining visa/residency, buying citizenship/residency, and cons of living discussed.

Takeaways:

• Malta is popular for expats due to its warm climate, English proficiency, and LGBTQ+ acceptance.
• English is widely spoken alongside Maltese.
• Diverse expat community, particularly in areas like Senglea.
• Housing is expensive, with rental prices ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 euros for a two-bedroom apartment, and home prices averaging around 1 million euros.
• Gun ownership laws and cultural attitudes differ from the US.
• Malta is considered safe with low crime rates.
• Homelessness is not significant due to cultural/legal factors.
• Limited access to goods/services like Amazon Prime.
• Obtaining a visa/residency is expensive, and may require meeting financial criteria.
• Considerations for relocating include lifestyle preferences, language barriers, and access to amenities.

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pamm meyers

pamm meyers is, storyteller, dynamic leader and advocate dedicated to fostering prosperity within the LGBTQIA community through business innovation and social advocacy. With a multifaceted background, pamm has become a trailblazer in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on New Mexico’s LGBTQIA and business communities.

As CEO of Go Social, pamm meyers Social Media.

https://www.pammmeyerssocialmedia.com/ pamm is at the forefront of digital marketing and podcasting solutions for business owners and organizations. Her visionary approach has empowered countless ventures to harness the potential of social media, unlocking new avenues for growth and engagement. It is a driving force behind her client’s success, leveraging the power of connectivity to elevate their brand through digital marketing and podcasting.

pamm is the managing partner of Two Flower Productions, a podcasting company that produces “Lip Service, the podcast of Our Coming Out Stories”, New Mexico’s Business Podcast.

Previously the Execu?ve Director of the New Mexico Out Business Alliance, currently, Board Advisor for the Way Out West Film Fest, Board Advisor for the Albuquerque Community Founda?on Pride Circle, hMps://abqcf.org/pride-circle/

supporting the LGBTQIA community through philanthropy.

pamm meyers

https://www.pammmeyerssocialmedia.com/ pamm@pammmeyers.com

Albuquerque, New Mexico with Pamm Meyers

Summary

Pam Myers, a dynamic leader and advocate, shares her retirement experience in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She discusses the LGBTQ+ community, arts and culture, cost of living, and transportation in the area.

Pam highlights the welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and the thriving arts scene in Albuquerque. She also mentions the affordable cost of living and the abundance of galleries, theaters, and restaurants in the city. Pam concludes by mentioning the unique attractions in New Mexico, such as the Balloon Fiesta and the historic train rides.

Albuquerque, New Mexico offers an enchanting atmosphere with its blue skies and sense of peacefulness. Albuquerque's lack of traffic and affordable housing make it an attractive option. The city has a public transportation system, including buses and a rail trolley, but owning a car is still necessary.

The airport is conveniently located and undergoing renovations.

Crime rates in Albuquerque are comparable to other cities of its size, with petty theft being the most common issue.

The healthcare system is well-equipped, with multiple hospitals and reasonable wait times for specialists. The LGBTQ+ community in Albuquerque is welcoming and supportive. Overall, Albuquerque offers an ideal climate, affordability, and a strong sense of community.\

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