Stories of U.S. residents hoping to flee the country are on the rise since Trump’s inauguration. According to NBC News, the day after Trump won the election last fall, Google Trends reflected a spike in searches for digital nomad visas and the best countries to move to. The outlet says that many reported the election win being a breaking point, the last push to finally start a life elsewhere.
How-to videos detailing how to move abroad have gone viral across social media platforms, pushing those who may have already been considering expat life to finally take the leap. Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi, a site that helps Americans move abroad, told NBC that the biggest trend right now are “those looking for a Plan b.” Barnett says Expatsi took off when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, by the Supreme Court which is stacked with Trump appointees. In the two weeks after the election Barnett says the site saw 10 months worth of traffic with more than 70% of website visitors citing their reason for leaving as the U.S. being too conservative.
The New York Post reports a recent survey indicates around 17% of Americans hope to move outside the U.S. in the next five years. Many are eyeing Canada as a prime spot for relocation, citing the country’s healthcare access and work-life balance. Others are drawn to European destinations including Italy, England, France, and Germany, with some other popular vacation destinations making the list of relocation spots: Costa Rica, Australia, and Switzerland.
Max Shak, founder and CEO of Zapiy told the Post “Many professionals, especially younger generations, are questioning whether the traditional ‘American Dream’ is still attainable. Skyrocketing housing costs, student debt, and healthcare expenses have made it harder for people to feel financially secure in the U.S. In contrast, many countries offer more affordable living, universal healthcare, and better work-life balance, making the idea of relocating incredibly appealing. Ultimately, this openness to moving abroad reflects a larger shift—people are prioritizing quality of life over traditional career paths and seeking environments that better align with their personal and financial well-being.”
The debate between staying and leaving is fraught with questions for many Americans. Is choosing a more protected and secure life somewhere else in the world more personally ethical than the social ethics of leaving your community behind? Many may ask themselves if they are abandoning the problems that need numbers to be solved, and others may feel leaving is a nonissue.
With digital nomad visas available in nearly 70 countries across the world, and tourist visas available in most countries, leaving, at least for now, may be easy for those who work remotely or are retired. And the incentive to move is increasing every day.
