Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
One day before the presidential elections in the United States, which gave victory to Donald Trump, the Los Angeles Times painted a portrait of the internal consequences of political tension in the country.
O increase the political tensions nos United States of America led some Americans, especially Californians, to think move abroad.
The analysis was carried out last Tuesday, precisely the day of the presidential elections, and before the results were announced and Donald Trump’s victory was announced.
Michael Dicusa 54-year-old man from Hayward, California, is in that group. After a recent trip to Spain, wants to obtain a Spanish digital nomad visa, fearing political developments in the US, especially if “a regime like MAGA” takes power. MAGA is Make America Great Again, the movement supporting Donald Trump.
Dicus’s feelings reflect a broader trend: Global relocation agencies report increased interest from North Americans who look for a contingency plan in case the political scenario becomes unfavorable.
Relocation companies and migration experts note that the political polarization has become a significant factor motivating Americans to explore life abroad.
Henley & Partners, a firm that helps clients obtain residency and citizenship through investment, reports that approximately 80% of its American customers cite political issues as a determining factor.
Portugal and 2016
Interest is particularly high in countries such as PortugalMalta and Spain.
In fact, in another in the same newspaper, it is highlighted that Portugal became the “new paradise” of US emigrants. Especially those of California, precisely.
Portugal offers “ocean breezes, mountain views, warm spring days on palm tree-lined promenades and the glow of sunsets that filter into the night.” Californians claim that, on Portuguese soil, they can keep the good parts of their homeland and leave the rest far away.
However, Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, a migration academic, warns that while previous elections have shown similar spikes in the desire to leave the country, few actually did.
However, This election cycle presented a different tonewith growing apprehension regarding the division of the country.
Migration companies like Italian Citizenship Assistance have seen sustained interest since 2016, a year marked by intense political changes.
Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi, which helps Americans explore life abroad, has also seen dramatic increases in site traffic related to political events.
There was a sharp spike after a debate between President Joe Biden and former and future President Donald Trump, with new recent increases as polls put Trump ahead in some key states. Now that Donald Trump really…
According to a survey by Monmouth University, the percentage of US citizens thinking about emigrating has reached the 34%, triple that of 1974.
This shift suggests that, for many, the political discordmore than economic or social motivations, is feed the desire to leave.
Some individuals, like Dicus, are particularly attracted to destinations known for their tolerance, like Spain, where he hopes to feel safer as a gay man.
For Dicus and others, the decision to move is not just an escape from politics, but a search for a more stable and welcoming environment.
