Americans’ desire to live abroad has reached record levels, prompting questions about what’s driving this trend. Cost of living is no doubt part of the reason. The state of American politics is likely another.
Rising Emigration Desires
A Gallup poll indicates that more Americans than ever are considering living abroad, with nearly 18% expressing a permanent relocation desire. This is a significant increase over the past decade. Similarly, global emigration interest remains high, with 16% of adults worldwide wanting to emigrate permanently this year, maintaining a consistent trend since 2021.
In the U.S. and Canada, the percentage of residents considering emigration rose from 10% in 2011 to 18% in 2023. This is part of a larger trend in the western world. The desire to emigrate has increased continuously over the past 12 years, even as migration desires have plateaued or decreased in other global regions.
The number of Americans who want to curb immigration is the highest it has been in over 20 years, according to a Gallup poll published Friday.
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Changing Preferences and Influences
The U.S. has become less attractive as a residence since 2017, despite being a top destination for global immigrants. From 2007 to 2009, approximately 24% of global respondents preferred the U.S. as a destination, yet this number declined to 18% in 2023.
Meanwhile, Americans’ own desire to emigrate has surged, with a Monmouth University report indicating a tripling of this inclination since 1974.
The recent data underscores a shifting perception of the American dream. Despite socio-political pressures and broader global trends, the U.S. remains a significant focal point in global migration narratives, yet attitudes continue to evolve.
POLL: The number of Americans who want less immigration into the US surged to its highest total since 9/11. | @jameslynch32 https://t.co/cqb28jbIDN
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Global Perspectives on Emigration
A survey of 146,000 adults across 142 countries in 2023 highlighted that sub-Saharan Africa records the highest percentage of respondents wanting to emigrate, while East Asia shows the least interest in immigration. These varied regional perspectives contribute to the complex global migration dynamics.
The polls from Gallup and Monmouth University provide a comprehensive overview of the shifting attitudes concerning migration. While the U.S. has experienced a decline as an attractive residential option, the motivations behind Americans’ increased interest in living abroad remain a topic for further exploration.
