Surely the American Dream is not a thing of the past?
A staggering number of Americans now express a desire to live abroad, more than three times the number from just half a century ago, according to a recent poll by the Monmouth University Polling Institute. Conducted from February 8 to 12 and involving 902 U.S. adults, the survey revealed that 34 percent of Americans are contemplating life in another country, a significant increase from the 10 percent recorded by Gallup in 1974.
This growing inclination to emigrate may reflect deep-seated dissatisfaction with current U.S. political and social climates. Since the end of World War II, the percentage of Americans wanting to move overseas remained relatively low, only peaking at 13 percent in 1972. However, the latest figures show a distinct rise in this sentiment, especially since the 1990s, when the proportion nudged up from 9 to 12 percent.
The data suggests that political independents are the most likely to consider leaving, with 41 percent expressing this desire, compared to 35 percent of Democrats and just 22 percent of Republicans. This trend could be indicative of the increasing alienation felt by individuals who do not align strictly with the dominant political parties, exacerbated by the current divisive political atmosphere.
The Pew Research Center’s findings further emphasize the polarization within the country, noting that a vast majority of Americans are now feeling overwhelmed and angered by the state of U.S. politics, with concerns about potential political violence being a significant worry for many. This sentiment follows the disturbing events of January 6, 2021, and the concerns are heightened as the nation anticipates a possible Biden-Trump rematch in the upcoming elections.
Interestingly, the demographic most keen on moving abroad comprises mainly younger Americans under the age of 35, while only 17 percent of those aged 55 and over share this interest. This generational divide might reflect younger Americans’ desire for different lifestyles or disillusionment with their homeland’s prospects.
Despite these findings, the survey did not specify which countries Americans are considering moving to. However, it did explore where Americans would like to visit, with Italy now topping the list, followed by the U.K. and Japan. Traditional favorites like Australia, Ireland, France, Spain, and Germany remain popular, although the preferences have shifted somewhat over the decades.
It’s also noteworthy that as Americans’ interest in travel has doubled over the past 50 years, surpassing even gardening, the range of desired destinations has broadened significantly. This may partly explain why more Americans are contemplating not just visiting but permanently moving to these locales.
The increasing desire among Americans to relocate could be seen as a call to reflect on what might be driving this sentiment. Is it the quest for better quality of life, different cultural experiences, or a response to domestic policies and the political environment? It might also signal a need for introspection and potential recalibration within our society and political spheres to address the concerns driving citizens to contemplate such drastic changes.
