Millions of people every year do the same, tens of thousands of them for same reasons (political dissidents turning refugees). And, normally they have lower sta

Millions of people every year do the same, tens of thousands of them for same reasons (political dissidents turning refugees). And, normally they have lower status in their receiving countries than in home ones (because they are usually public persons with some visibility before leaving, otherwise it's hard to be a dissident), which is the reverse for Snowden who is a humble sysadmin turned celebrity. Of course, it's better for him to stay in Russia then going to Equador as he planned, at least he will get a good job there. Certainly he will dislike St. Petersburg climate when the winter falls (very cold and humid), but there are places with decent climate and still good jobs.