for decades America It was considered as “Dream Land”, where every dream can come true with the help of hard work. But now the picture is changing. In recent years, a new trend has emerged, in which a large number of American citizens themselves have started leaving the country and settling in foreign countries. The question arises – is this just the effect of Donald Trump’s policies or the result of changing lifestyle preferences? Rising inflation in America, rising cost of living, concerns about security and the freedom of remote work have accelerated this change. Now Americans are not just looking for “more income” but “a better life.” The countries of Europe, Canada and Asia are emerging as new options. This is not just migration, but a big mindset shift, where the definition of the “American Dream” seems to be changing.
Is the “American Dream” waning?
According to US Census Bureau projections, there has been a decline in net international migration between 2024–2026. While migration data from the Internal Revenue Service indicates that out-migration is continuously increasing. This is not just a change in numbers, but a change in thinking. Where now American citizens have started giving priority to “quality of life” along with “earnings”. It cannot be right to call the American Dream weak right now.
How much has migration from the US increased in 10 years?
There is no centralized database of citizens who have settled outside the US, but a clear trend from various sources – such as IRS migration flows, federal reports and expatriate organizations – shows that about 1.2 lakh Americans immigrated abroad in 2016, which increased to 1.3 lakh in 2017 and 1.4 lakh in 2018. In 2019 this figure reached 1.5 lakh. Due to COVID-19 in 2020, it fell to around 1.1 lakh, but after that it increased again. 1.3 lakh in 2021, 1.5 lakh in 2022, 1.6 lakh in 2023, 1.7 lakh in 2024 and more than 1.8 lakh people left the country in 2025. It is estimated that today 50 to 55 lakh Americans are living abroad. This figure shows that this is not a temporary trend, but a continuously increasing pattern.
Did Trump’s policies accelerate the trend?
There are certainly differences of opinion regarding Donald Trump’s policies, but it is clear that his tenure and the subsequent political environment have accelerated this trend. Strict immigration and visa policies, increasing political polarization and social tensions influence the decisions of citizens there. After the 2024 elections, there has been a sharp increase in online searches and consultancy queries related to settling abroad, which reflects the mentality of America’s educated professionals to leave the country.
However, it is also important to keep in mind that this trend had started even before Trump’s arrival. Therefore, their policies definitely make it a “catalyst”, but linking it completely to it can be considered incomplete. Yes, because of his policies the numbers have increased and the environment has definitely worsened.
Are inflation and living cost also a big reason?
The biggest and most concrete reason behind leaving America is “Cost of Living”. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of housing, healthcare and education has increased steadily over the last five years. Rent and daily expenses in cities like New York and San Francisco have reached the highest levels in the world. It is estimated that in countries like Portugal, Spain and Mexico, a better life is possible with 30% to 60% less expenditure. This is the reason why middle class and retired citizens are increasingly moving towards these countries.
Is America not as safe as before?
The issue of security is also now playing an important role in migration decisions. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that gun-related deaths have been a concern for many years. School shootings and incidents of violence in public places remain in international headlines. Although America is still considered safe among developed countries, the “feeling of security” has weakened. This is the reason why many families are moving to countries where the social environment is considered more peaceful and stable.
Remote work/digital trends fueling migration?
Remote work after COVID-19 has changed the entire definition of migration. Now the job may be in America, but the person can live anywhere. Thailand, Indonesia and many countries in Europe have promoted this trend by providing the facility of digital nomad visa. Due to this “location independent lifestyle” has become increasingly popular. Especially in tech and creative professions. Now people have started thinking that if the same work can be done in a country with cheaper and better quality of life, then why is it necessary to live in America.
Which countries do you prefer to settle in? American?
Recent reports and surveys (such as Pew Research Center and Gallup) show that American citizens are giving preference to Europe, Canada and some countries in Asia. Canada is attractive because of better healthcare and social security, while Germany and Ireland are popular for jobs and stability. In Asia, Thailand and Indonesia (especially Bali) have become hotspots for digital nomads. Surveys show that 15–20% of Americans are seriously considering moving abroad, while more than 40% have a desire to live abroad at some point. This shows that migration is no longer a compulsion but is becoming a lifestyle choice.
Is the trend an alarm bell or a sign of a changing world?
If this trend continues, America may face challenges like “talent outflow” and possible brain drain. The departure of professionals from tech, health and education sectors can affect innovation. However, America still remains the world’s largest economy and center of innovation, so this is not an immediate crisis.
In fact, this change is more a sign of the changing world than America’s weakness. Today there are more options, opportunities have become global and the ‘dream’ is no longer limited to any one country. Earlier my dream was to go to America. Now the dream is to settle where there is a better life. This is why the “American Dream” has not ended, but its form has changed.
Not Migration, Mindset Shift
International affairs expert Rajesh Bharti says that the increasing out-migration from America is not the result of any one reason, but is the combined effect of many structural changes. “This trend is not ‘anti-America’, but ‘pro-life quality’.” The digital economy, remote work and global opportunities have made people location-free. Where earlier it was a compulsion to go to America for career, now the same career is possible even while living somewhere else. This trend may increase further in the coming times, especially among young and high-skilled professionals. However, America’s economic strength and innovation capacity will still keep it the world’s top destination. But now competition has increased and this is the biggest sign of this change.
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