[Overlord]

Walaikum Assalam brother,

I do not think any one can answer you that question as it is phrased as American Muslims are of various backgrounds and ethnic groups.
Our beloved prophet s.a.w Inshallah said "Allah Ta ala grants him who marries far from his people extra blessings" (not ad Verbum)
Based on my experience as I married from another continent and race the important issues are compatibility and religion followed by education and finance.
Marriages that last are marriages that place the Din first and Hawf Allah S.W.T first and even then there has to be compatibility.
The couple need to communicate so education plays a role too plus how accustomed are they to certain financial eases.
For me the greatest threat to a marriage are outside influences of family and friends especially during the early years of marriage.
Once the bonds of the marriage are strong the influence of outsiders diminishes.
Another factor for your friend to consider is will he adjust to his new cultural environment for it sounds like he worries a lot.
Marriage as Imam Shafi'i rahimullah reportedly narated "Marry for it's half the Din and for the other half Hawf Allah"
To marry, one needs to have Tawakal Allah and Yakin and not to led by Was Was and what ifs.
Reading statistics is not a good start and concidering what the Christian population does that's worse.
Why not marry one of those divorced women you mentioned that can't remarry, they must be quite appreciative, surely that's an excellent quality for a wife and a blessing from Allah S.W.T for your friend.
Has your friend considered Salatul Istikhara ?

Masalam