Since its earliest days, the U.S. has been a nation of immigrants. Increasingly, it’s also a nation of emigrants — a trend that should alarm elected officials and spur them to act.
A recent analysis found that U.S. emigration has reached unprecedented levels. Much of this exodus is due to the administration’s deportation efforts, but by no means all. Last year, at least 180,000 American citizens left the Land of Opportunity to find a better life elsewhere.
During the recession of 2008, a Gallup poll found that about 1 in 10 Americans wanted to permanently leave the country. That figure is now 1 in 5. Among women ages 15 to 44, it’s a whopping 40%. Some of that sentiment is tied to politics, of course, but the emigration trend predates the current administration.
When the American Dream is to leave America, something has gone terribly wrong.
Traditionally, Americans have chosen to become expats for professional reasons, often temporarily. But in growing numbers, they’re doing so for personal reasons, as they seek better schools, safer streets, lower taxes and more affordable housing and health care.