With political tensions mounting in the United States ahead of the 2024 election, a growing number of Americans, particularly Californians, are exploring the possibility of relocating abroad. Fueled by a deepening sense of political division and fear of renewed upheaval, the trend has become a reflection of a nation grappling with escalating polarization.
According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, international migration experts have documented a surge in interest from U.S. citizens seeking residency and citizenship in foreign countries. Global firm Henley & Partners noted that about 80% of their American clients cited political concerns as their primary motivation for considering a move abroad. "They want an option to escape," said Basil Mohr Elzeki, who heads the firm's North American operations. "Now with the election, people have opinions on both ends, and they're worried."
The spike in inquiries has been particularly pronounced during this election cycle. Jen Barnett, founder of Expatsi, a firm that assists Americans in relocating overseas, reported a dramatic surge in traffic to her website following the first presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump. "Just that he could be nominated to me meant that something was irreparably broken, and it wasn't something we could get back," Barnett told the Times. After years of contemplation, she and her husband moved to Mérida, Mexico, earlier this year.
For many, the decision to leave is rooted in a desire to escape the anxiety and uncertainty tied to America's political landscape. Hayward, California resident Mykel Dicus, 54, is currently planning a move to Spain, driven by concerns about the political trajectory of the country. "If a regime like MAGA should win this election, I'm very scared," said Dicus, who identifies as a gay man. "I just feel like it's time to enjoy a life that's free from any American worry."
The inclination to seek refuge abroad is not limited to one side of the political spectrum. Migration scholar Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels of the University of Kent observed that both conservatives and liberals are contemplating emigration. "Anecdotally, I've heard more and more folks talking not just about a Trump administration, but about the divisiveness in the country," she explained.
Marco Permunian, founder of Italian Citizenship Assistance, echoed these sentiments. He noted that interest in moving overseas has persisted regardless of which party is in power. "We came to the conclusion there is a sense of fear in general, and that affects people from both sides of the political spectrum," Permunian said.
For some, relocating abroad represents a form of protest against the political climate at home. Klekowski von Koppenfels described the sentiment as an expression of dissatisfaction rather than a concrete migration plan. However, for others, like Barnett and Dicus, the move is a tangible step toward a perceived sense of safety and stability.
California, in particular, has seen a surge in interest among residents exploring international relocation. The state, often seen as a bastion of progressive values, has become a focal point for discussions about leaving the country due to political divisiveness. This trend has been amplified by heightened political rhetoric and the prospect of another Trump presidency.
Experts say the phenomenon underscores a broader sense of unease and a desire for stability among Americans facing an increasingly polarized nation. While some may ultimately decide against leaving, the mere contemplation of moving abroad highlights the depth of concern permeating the political landscape. As Elzeki put it, "People are looking for options - not because they want to give up, but because they want a safety net."
