While true, and I am hardly a simp for laws and political climate in the US, for me the key distinction is that in the US (and other liberal democracies) you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation.

Those who have not lived under oppressive authoritarian regimes don't have the lived-through perspective of hopelessness that comes from knowing your hands are bound, and there's not much you can do to get out of the situation, outside of migrating to another country.

Now the reality for regulatory capture and smooth talking politicians convincing people to vote against their best interests in the West may not in reality result in really personal agency, the mere prospect of being allowed to do something about your situation itself is a powerful motivator.

Oh, the USA is bloody awful, and they know. You think the CCP isn't playing up American dysfunction any chance it gets?

They're leaving for a chance at a better life, not the best. You can think about the "best life" once you have a better one.

There's a really tragic documentary where a similar thing happens to young kids from Central America so they do the trek up alone because they are essentially just believing Hollywood propaganda lies about the US.

Which Way Home. I really recommend it.

You think Chinese nationals are getting this impression of the US from state television? Lol