‘The Donald Dash’: 1 in 4 Americans Plan to Emigrate After Trump Win

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A 500% increase in U.S. visitors has been recorded by the Immigration Advice Service.
Canada and the U.K. are the leading choices for American emigrants.
Nearly 40% of young Americans (aged 16-24) are contemplating leaving the country.

Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, new research reveals that millions of Americans are considering “great escape.”

According to findings from the Immigration Advice Service, 25% of Americans are now weighing the idea of moving abroad. The service has noted a remarkable 500% rise in U.S. traffic to its website, with Google searches for “moving abroad” and “how to emigrate” reaching unprecedented levels this year.

Interest is especially pronounced on the East and West coasts, with 47% of Los Angeles residents and 35% of New Yorkers contemplating international moves. Younger generations are leading this trend, with 40% of 16-24 year olds considering relocation compared to only 14% of over-55s.

Canada is the top destination for prospective emigrants (29%), followed by the UK (19%), while countries like Australia (8%) and Ireland (7.5%) attract less interest.

Meanwhile, Britons are also reconsidering their view of the U.S. as a potential home. A recent survey shows that 40% of Brits are now less inclined to move to America, with women expressing more hesitation (50%). Australia (15%) and Canada (14%) are emerging as favoured destinations.

Ono Okeregha, Director at the Immigration Advice Service, remarked: “There’s a complex mix of factors that affect a person’s choice to emigrate and their preferred destination. However perceived stability both financial and political is extremely important. The recent US election has sent shockwaves through America and beyond. There is a real sense of uncertainty and we’re seeing this impact both Americans and Brits’ decisions about where they want to live and build their future.”