For years I was misled by statements like this, into thinking that immigration is a decision you can make one day, and just polish off your passport, pack a bag, and flip the middle finger to your place of origin.<p>Who knows, maybe 40 years ago that was true, but it is emphatically NOT true now. Getting a work visa in another country is extremely difficult and generally takes years of preparation, outside a few narrow carveouts like working holiday.  And yes, we in tech have it easier than others (besides medical doctors).<p>My corollary is yes, you are free to emigrate at any time, provided you have met the stringent requirements of your destination. To me it&#x27;s like saying, you are free to swim across the Pacific Ocean.