I would absolutely get the qualification - especially under the circumstances you describe. You can get by without it, but it will close off many great opportunities if you don’t have it.

It positions you inside the US and may make it easier to work here initially. Salaries here are much higher than EU, and opportunities much better imho. You can always move to EU later, and be in a much stronger position.

Background: from Ireland, moved to US. No college degree.