By SCM REPORTER
WASHINGTON – The famous call to “Go West” has officially gone south. In a stunning reversal of the global migration trend, more people are now packing their bags and quitting the United States than arriving on its shores.
According to explosive new data from the Wall Street Journal, America is witnessing its first “net-loss” migration event since the Great Depression of the 1930s. From the glitzy hills of Hollywood to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, the “Record Number” exit signs are lit up as disillusioned citizens head for the departures lounge.
For generations, the American Dream meant a white picket fence and a driveway in the suburbs. But for the modern “Ex-Yank,” the dream is simply to get out.
Fed-up families are ditching the Stars and Stripes for overseas life, citing two major reasons: affordability and safety. With inflation squeezing the middle class and rising concerns over urban crime, many are finding that their Dollars go much further—and their children feel much safer—in foreign climes.
”I spent my whole life working for a house I could barely afford in a neighborhood where I didn’t feel safe walking at night,” said one expat who recently relocated to Portugal. “The new American Dream is living anywhere but America.”
Why is this happening now?
To give the story some “legs,” it’s worth noting the historical context and the current pressures driving the trend:
The 1930s Parallel: The last time the US saw a net migration deficit was during the Great Depression, when economic collapse forced many immigrants to return to their home countries and stopped others from coming.
The Cost of Living Crisis: US housing prices have soared, and healthcare costs remain the highest in the developed world. Families are moving to places like Mexico, Italy, and South East Asia where their savings can last a lifetime.
The Safety Factor: A spike in high-profile crime and political polarization has left many parents feeling that the “Land of the Free” isn’t the best place to raise a family anymore.
Remote Work Revolution: The rise of “Digital Nomad” visas has made it easier than ever for Americans to keep their high-paying US jobs while living in much cheaper, safer foreign cities.
