Record Numbers of Americans Considering Leaving US For Good

A record number of Americans are considering leaving the country for good, according to recent surveys, signaling a shift in the perception of the American Dream.

At a Glance

18% of U.S. adults express intention to leave the country permanently.
Desire to emigrate from the U.S. has tripled since 1974.
Wealthy Americans increasingly seek second passports due to political concerns.
Popular destinations include Portugal, Malta, Greece, and Caribbean nations.
Reasons for emigration include political climate, social unrest, and lifestyle changes.

Rising Trend in American Emigration

Recent surveys have unveiled a startling trend: an unprecedented number of Americans are contemplating a permanent move abroad. According to a Gallup poll, nearly 18% of U.S. participants express an intention to leave the country for good, highlighting a consistent rise in this sentiment over the past decade. This shift marks a significant change in the American perspective on residency and quality of life.

The increase in emigration desire is not isolated to the United States. Globally, 16% of adults expressed a wish to relocate permanently in 2023, consistent with figures from 2021 and 2022, but noticeably higher than the period from 2011 to 2018. However, the U.S. stands out as its numbers have continued to climb while other regions have seen decreases or plateaus in migration desires.

https://x.com/Gallup/status/1852020577344651684

Historical Context and Current Figures

The desire to emigrate from the United States has seen a dramatic increase over the past five decades. In 1950, only 5% of Americans expressed a wish to leave the country. This figure remained relatively stable, ranging between 9% and 13% from the 1970s to the 1990s. However, recent data paints a starkly different picture.

A Monmouth University report reveals that Americans’ desire to emigrate has tripled since 1974, with 34% now expressing a wish to settle elsewhere. This significant increase reflects changing attitudes towards living arrangements and perceptions of opportunity both within and outside the United States.

Factors Driving Emigration Desires

The reasons behind this growing trend are multifaceted. The political climate and potential social unrest related to the election are significant factors, especially among wealthy Americans. Immigration attorneys and advisors report record demand for second passports or long-term residencies abroad.

Other contributing factors include concerns over mass shootings, political violence, rising antisemitism and Islamophobia, and government debt. Additionally, non-political reasons such as retirement plans and desire for proximity to family members also play a role in the decision to seek residence abroad.

Popular Destinations and Options

For those considering a move, several countries have emerged as popular destinations. European nations such as Portugal, Malta, Greece, and Spain offer attractive options for residency or second citizenship. In the Caribbean, countries like Antigua and Barbuda and St. Lucia provide opportunities for second passports through real estate investments.

It’s worth noting that some European countries are adjusting their rules and costs for golden visas due to political backlash and rising property prices. Despite challenges from the EU, Malta’s investment citizenship program remains popular, offering EU residency and travel benefits. For those with ancestry in certain countries, lineage citizenship and retirement visas present alternative, often more affordable, options for relocation.

As the trend of Americans considering emigration continues to rise, it reflects broader shifts in global mobility and changing perceptions of national identity and opportunity. Whether driven by political concerns, economic factors, or personal preferences, this phenomenon underscores the evolving nature of citizenship and residency in an increasingly interconnected world.