Record numbers of Americans are considering leaving the United States permanently, according to recent polling data, marking a significant shift in the nation’s demographic landscape.
At a Glance
- 18% of American respondents express a desire to relocate abroad permanently
- The desire to emigrate from the U.S. has tripled since the mid-1970s
- Globally, 16% of adults want to emigrate permanently in 2023
- Sub-Saharan Africa shows the highest percentage of potential emigrants
- The U.S. is becoming less popular as a desired residence since 2017
Americans’ Growing Desire to Leave
A recent Gallup poll has revealed a startling trend: the desire among Americans to emigrate from the United States has reached an all-time high. The survey indicates that 18% of American respondents now express a wish to relocate abroad permanently, showcasing a consistent upward trend over the past decade.
“The desire to emigrate from the U.S. is at an all-time high for many Americans, according to a new poll conducted by Gallup.” – Source
This shift is particularly noteworthy given the United States’ long-standing reputation as a favored destination for immigrants. The data suggests that the country’s appeal as a long-term place of residence may be waning, both for its citizens and potential immigrants.
Global Context and Comparisons
The American trend aligns with a broader global pattern. In 2023, 16% of adults worldwide expressed a desire to emigrate permanently, a figure consistent with 2021 and 2022 but higher than the period from 2011 to 2018. However, the U.S. and Canada have seen a more dramatic increase, with the desire to emigrate rising from 10% in 2011 to 18% in 2023.
Sub-Saharan Africa emerged as the region with the highest percentage of respondents wanting to emigrate, while East Asia showed the least interest in immigration. The Gallup poll, which surveyed 146,000 adults across 142 countries in 2023, provides a comprehensive view of global migration desires.
Changing Perceptions of the United States
Unlike other regions where migration desires have decreased or plateaued, Americans’ desire to emigrate has been steadily increasing over the past 12 years. This trend is particularly striking given the U.S.’s historical status as a top destination for immigrants. In 2023, 17% of Americans wanted to leave, a figure that increased to 21% in 2024.
The United States has become less popular as a desired residence since 2017, both among Americans and potential immigrants. From 2007 to 2009, 24% of global respondents preferred the U.S. as a destination, but this figure fell to 18% in 2023, indicating a significant shift in global perceptions.
Historical Perspective
A report from Monmouth University provides historical context to this trend, revealing that Americans’ desire to emigrate has tripled since 1974. Currently, 34% of Americans express a wish to settle elsewhere, a dramatic increase from previous decades. In 1950, the desire to emigrate from the U.S. was as low as 5%, and it ranged between 9-13% from the 1970s to the 1990s.
This significant shift suggests that there are underlying sociopolitical factors influencing Americans’ changing attitudes towards their country as a long-term residence. As the nation grapples with various challenges, from political polarization to economic uncertainties, more citizens are considering the option of building their lives elsewhere.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, these trends in American emigration desires may play a role in shaping political discourse and policy decisions. The increasing number of Americans considering life abroad represents a unique challenge for policymakers and could potentially influence future demographic and economic trends in the United States.
