1000’s of readers shared frustrations, fears and disappointments with American politics, and the way they can stay and work out of the country.
Amid an election cycle fueled by existential rhetoric, some People are fascinated by strolling away.
Not from politics. From your complete nation.
This summer time, practically 2,000 readers responded to a New York Occasions survey asking in the event that they would depart the US ought to their favored candidate lose the presidential election in November. One other 3,000 individuals responded to related questions requested over social media. Some respondents had already moved. Others have been taking the steps — on the lookout for jobs abroad, or in search of methods to qualify for residency.
Their causes have been diverse, although the candidates on the high of the poll figured prominently. Many mentioned they feared the nation may spiral into authoritarianism ought to Donald Trump win a second time period. Others have been deeply involved about how a Kamala Harris administration would deal with the struggle in Gaza and the economic system. There was extra normal angst — about gun violence, political vitriol, abortion restrictions, rising antisemitism, racism and L.G.B.T.Q. discrimination.
Overwhelmingly, respondents have been of their prime working years — not college students, retirees or rich vacationers — and straddled the political spectrum. Whereas “I’m transferring to Canada!” is usually a liberal chorus, such declarations have additionally unfold amongst conservative voters.
“There’s a normal sense that the U.S. is in decline and it doesn’t matter who wins this subsequent election,” mentioned Megan A. Carney, an affiliate professor of anthropology on the College of Arizona.
Here’s a snapshot of the People who already packed their baggage (or are ready to take action).
A number of readers expressed grave considerations about the way forward for American democracy and the specter of civil unrest within the aftermath of the election. One couple mentioned they’ve packed a “go bag” within the occasion that violence erupts. In responses to The Occasions’s callout, the phrase “authoritarian” was used 49 instances; “dictator” 42 instances; “fascist” or “Fascism” 101 instances.
“If we proceed on the Democratic practice I don’t know if the nation will ever get well,” mentioned Robert Horton.
Kristen Zeis for The New York Occasions
Virginia Seashore, Va. Paris
- How they’re doing it Robert Horton, 79, certified for a long-stay visa in France.
- Transferring December 2024
- Voter affiliation Republican
Robert Horton, an actual property developer, started visiting Paris a decade in the past and shortly met People who’d left the nation due to politics. “They’re simply unhappy for the situation our nation is in, the place it’s gone,” he mentioned. “And quite a lot of them don’t have hope that it might ever come again.” By the top of this yr, Mr. Horton will be part of them for good, buying and selling his Virginia Seashore rental for one in central Paris, a metropolis he fell in love with for its laid again lifestyle, “regardless that it’s a socialist nation.”
The USA has “gone to date liberal that we’ve misplaced respect for our nation, for our individuals, for ourselves, our requirements,” Mr. Horton mentioned.
“It’s a horrible nation now, in comparison with what it was once.”
A Trump supporter, he expects Ms. Harris to win in November, an consequence that he finds scary, as he worries that she would poorly deal with the economic system, the U.S. border and international coverage. “This nation will turn into extra woke, extra radical, excessive radical left,” he mentioned. “We may have completely misplaced all our decency if she will get in.”
Seattle London
- How they’re doing it Rebecca Houghton, 48, has twin citizenship in Britain.
- Transferring February 2025
- Voter affiliation unaffiliated
Within the weeks after the 2020 election, Rebecca Houghton had a worrying dialog with a Croatian pal who had been a struggle refugee within the Nineties and was involved concerning the potential rise of authoritarianism in the US. “She mentioned, ‘I’ve seen this earlier than: Individuals inform you all the things goes to be nice, and in America it received’t occur,’” however it might, recalled Ms. Houghton, who works in tech.
So Ms. Houghton, a naturalized U.S. citizen, devised an escape hatch again to her native England, which she left 20 years in the past. In 2022, she and her husband took out a mortgage on their Seattle rental and purchased an condominium in East London. She additionally opened a international checking account to maintain money abroad. “We’ve to have a plan B,” she mentioned.
Rosanna Guadagno together with her daughter Jaelle Loewald, associate Brad Kearn, and canine Elsa in entrance of their house in Oulu, Finland.
Karoliina Paatos for The New York Occasions
San Francisco Bay Space Oulu, Finland
- How they did it Rosanna Guadagno, 53, acquired a specialist visa for extremely expert employees.
- Moved August 2022
- Voter affiliation Democrat
Rosanna Guadagno, an affiliate professor of persuasive info programs on the College of Oulu, research how social media influences the way in which we predict. As she watched disinformation flood the web within the run-up to the 2016 election, she grew more and more alarmed, particularly when an in depth relative started sending her articles selling on-line conspiracy theories. “It grew to become clear to me that we have been on a really unhealthy monitor,” she mentioned. In 2021, she began making use of for jobs in Europe, ultimately touchdown one in Oulu, Finland, the place she moved together with her household.
“Politics has polarized individuals — ‘you’re both with us otherwise you’re in opposition to us,’” Dr. Guadagno mentioned of the U.S. It’s “a mentality that doesn’t exist, not less than not in Finland.”
Sonoma, Calif. Panama or Europe
- How they’re doing it Greg Jenkins, 61, is making use of for Irish citizenship by means of descent.
- Transferring 2025
- Voter affiliation unaffiliated, beforehand Republican
Greg Jenkins has lengthy supported Republican beliefs, first as a volunteer on George H.W. Bush’s 1992 presidential marketing campaign and later as a deputy assistant within the George W. Bush White Home. Throughout Mr. Trump’s first time period, Mr. Jenkins was hopeful that the president would encompass himself “with people who did know what they have been doing and would not less than restrain his worst impulses.”
“I’m much more afraid for the nation this time round,” he mentioned.
He’s now could be making use of for Irish citizenship by tracing his roots again to his grandmother. Mr. Trump “may completely, simply undermine your complete notion of the nation,” he mentioned. “Most individuals don’t appear to know simply how fragile democracy is, and it received’t take a lot to topple it.”
A Disillusioned Voters
Some respondents to the callout have been fed up with management that feels out of contact with their wants, and have been bored with the vitriol that has pervaded U.S. elections. Israel or the struggle in Gaza have been talked about 43 instances. The phrase “divided” was used 32 instances, “exhausted” 11 instances, “poisonous” 43 instances, and “harassed” 27 instances.
Daniel Carrieres and his spouse rented out their home in Mesa, Ariz., and moved to Lisbon in 2023, renting an condominium half the dimensions.
Rodrigo Cardoso for The New York Occasions
Mesa, Ariz. Lisbon, Portugal
- How they did it Daniel Carrieres, 38, certified for short-term residency after arriving on a passive revenue visa.
- Moved July 2023
- Voter affiliation Democrat, beforehand Republican and Unbiased
Daniel Carrieres, who beforehand labored in finance, spent many of the 2020 election season upset, anxious and burned out. So this time round, he determined to depart earlier than the season received underway: He and his spouse rented out their four-bedroom home in Mesa, Ariz., and arrived in Lisbon in July 2023, renting an condominium half the dimensions.
The space “has helped immensely to date this election cycle — I used to be undoubtedly not in an excellent place at this level of the 2020,” he mentioned. In Portugal, the place he and his spouse intend to remain indefinitely, “you’re not bombarded with it as a lot.”
Ali Atri in his Seattle kitchen shortly earlier than he moved to Switzerland. “I had at all times thought that Seattle was my ceaselessly house,” he mentioned.
Ruth Fremson/The New York Occasions
Seattle Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- How they did it Ali Atri, 35, certified for a spousal residency allow.
- Moved August 2024
- Voter affiliation unaffiliated, identifies as a Democrat
Ali Atri, who’s Muslim and of Libyan descent, resents that his tax {dollars} are funding Israel’s struggle in Gaza, which he sees as a genocide in opposition to Palestinians. “The U.S. is complicit,” mentioned Mr. Atri, who beforehand owned a Seattle spa. So when his spouse’s employer supplied her a place in Switzerland, the couple jumped on the alternative, itemizing their three-bedroom home in Seattle for lease. They left in August.
“Lots of the transfer has to do with simply my psychological well being,” Mr. Atri mentioned. “The stress of residing someplace that helps the type of army marketing campaign being waged in Gaza is exhausting.”
Security was entrance of thoughts for a lot of respondents, significantly from gun violence — the phrase “gun” was talked about in 137 responses. However readers additionally frightened that the tenor of public discourse may escalate, utilizing the phrase “terrified,” “scared,” “frightened” or “scary” in 119 responses.
Sarah Malone and her youngest little one, Avery, on the household’s new rental group in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Daniel Caja for The New York Occasions
Southeastern Wisconsin Quintana Roo, Mexico
- How they did it Sarah Malone, 44, acquired a short lived resident visa that may ultimately be transformed to a everlasting one.
- Moved July 2024
- Voter affiliation Unbiased
Within the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel, Sarah Malone, who’s Jewish, was horrified by what she noticed as rising antisemitism in the US, on-line and at demonstrations. She informed her eldest daughter, a highschool senior on the time, to cease sporting her Star of David necklace. By spring, her daughter now not wished to go to varsity in the US, given the dimensions of campus protests. “The Democrats are the rationale why my little one can not go to highschool,” she mentioned.
In April, the household purchased a rental in Mexico and by summer time, Ms. Malone had moved there together with her three daughters, discovering a big group of Jewish immigrants. The household’s Wisconsin house will likely be listed on the market quickly, and Ms. Malone’s husband will work remotely from Mexico. “I’m simply attempting to place America behind me,” she mentioned. “It simply breaks my coronary heart, this entire factor.”
Ms. Malone, a Bernie Sanders supporter who mentioned she voted for Jill Stein in 2016 and Jo Jorgensen in 2020, is undecided for this election. She sees Mr. Trump as a risk to ladies, and Democrats as a risk to Jews, saying, “If the Democrats win, I’m undoubtedly by no means coming again.”
Boston Berlin or Paris
- How they’re doing it Steven Seltzer, 73, certified for citizenship by descent in Germany.
- Transferring 2025
- Voter affiliation Unbiased
Over the previous decade, Steven Seltzer has grown more and more involved a couple of rise in antisemitism in the US, significantly from the far proper. “My household and I mentioned, ‘We’re going to be election activists, and what the heck are we going to do if issues go badly?’” he mentioned, referring to a Trump victory. “You don’t have quite a lot of time as soon as issues begin to go south.” He lately obtained German citizenship for himself and his two grown sons as a result of his mom, who was Jewish, fled Nazi Germany at 13, and the nation now provides citizenship to descendants of those that have been denied theirs throughout the Holocaust.
“The irony is unbelievable,” he mentioned. “How may the son of a Holocaust survivor consider that Germany was a safer place to be Jewish than the U.S.? It’s historical past turned on its head.”
San Francisco Bay Space Toronto
- How they did it Paul Choi, 45, certified for a piece allow for entrepreneurs, and ultimately everlasting residency.
- Moved July 2021
- Voter affiliation Democrat
In 2015, Mr. Choi, who’s of Korean descent and works in well being care expertise, set off on a bike journey by means of Canada and observed that folks appeared happier than in the US. “Why? Why are they happier?” he requested. Then, the pandemic hit and Mr. Choi discovered himself in “hostile, aggressive conditions the place me as an Asian individual sporting a masks” felt threatening, he mentioned.
“The hostility was very palpable and a bit of scary.”
In 2021, he moved to Toronto, changing into a everlasting resident earlier this yr. However he misses California. “In quite a lot of methods, it was the toughest factor I’ve ever performed,” he mentioned.
An L.G.B.T.Q. Group on Edge
In 125 responses, readers talked about considerations for themselves or a member of the family within the L.G.B.T.Q. group. Amongst them, 20 individuals who have been transgender or had transgender relations expressed fears about security. One was a 46-year-old father of a 9-year-old transgender son in St. Paul, Minn., who has made preparations along with his employer to be transferred overseas ought to Mr. Trump prevail. “I’d like to remain right here and battle for what our values are and the values of the nation,” mentioned Michael, who requested to make use of solely his first title to guard his son’s privateness. “However I’ve to place the well being of my son first.”
Freya Wilson, left, and her associate Ellecyn Brimley in Vietnam. “There was a lot anti-trans rhetoric from the Republican Celebration,” Ms. Wilson. “My associate and I have been scared.”
Justin Mott for The New York Occasions
Provo, Utah Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Vietnam
- How they did it Freya Wilson, 25, acquired a two-year work visa by means of her Vietnamese employer.
- Moved January 2024
- Voter affiliation Democrat
A few yr in the past, Freya Wilson, a transgender girl, realized about Challenge 2025, the Heritage Basis’s blueprint for a second Trump presidency, which requires limiting medical protection for gender affirming care, and rescinding rules that prohibit job discrimination on the idea of sexual orientation or gender id. (Mr. Trump has tried to distance himself from Challenge 2025 in latest weeks). Quite than await the end result of the election, Ms. Wilson and her associate, Ellecyn Brimley, determined to maneuver to Vietnam and train English for not less than two years.
“If we really feel like we’re going to want to depart America. We don’t ever wish to really feel prefer it’s too late,” she mentioned.
“I really like America, I really like street journeys, I really like barbecue. Nevertheless it looks like there are elements of America that don’t need me.”
Beco Lichtman in Paris, the place he moved along with his husband earlier than the 2016 election. With Donald Trump nonetheless within the political fold, “I feel we’re performed,” he mentioned.
Elliott Verdier for The New York Occasions
Miami Paris
- How they did it Beco Lichtman, 50, certified for a long-stay visa for consultants and self-employed employees.
- Moved October 2015
- Voter affiliation Democrat
Beco Lichtman, a company journey guide, was distressed by how his neighbors, acquaintances and colleagues responded to Mr. Trump’s first candidacy for president in 2015. “As an individual who’s Black, homosexual and Jewish, I discovered it scary,” he mentioned. “These aren’t individuals who would essentially get up for individuals who seem like me or worship like me. I bear in mind feeling scared.”
By October 2015, he and his husband had moved to Paris after working with a lawyer in France to assist them qualify for a visa. The couple briefly thought of returning to the US after the 2020 election. However now, with Mr. Trump nonetheless within the enviornment, “I feel we’re performed.”
The Way forward for Abortion and Well being Care
Entry to well being care was talked about in 93 responses. “Abortion” or “Roe v. Wade” was talked about by 49 responders. Some obstetricians frightened they wouldn’t be capable to observe drugs ought to a nationwide abortion ban go into impact. And folks with continual sicknesses mentioned they wish to stay in a rustic with a secure well being care system.
Sara Daybreak O’Dell, proper, and Kathryn O’Dell exterior the Langley Obstetrics & Gynecology clinic, in Langley, British Columbia.
Grant Tougher for The New York Occasions
Olympia, Wash. British Columbia, Canada
- How they did it Sara Daybreak O’Dell, 42, was granted a piece visa as a doctor, with a path to everlasting residency.
- Moved October 2023
- Voter affiliation unaffiliated
The top of Roe v. Wade jeopardized Sara Daybreak O’Dell’s profession in obstetrics, even in Washington, the place abortion is authorized. She believes {that a} nationwide abortion ban “appears possible” in a Trump presidency, no matter his inconsistent statements on the topic.
“I don’t wish to go to jail or be fined for doing my job,” she mentioned.
So she discovered a job as a physician in Canada, and he or she and her spouse, Kathryn O’Dell, bought their four-bedroom home in Olympia. In October 2023, the household moved to Langley, B.C., a metropolis about 10 minutes north of the U.S. border. Now everlasting residents, they purchased a five-bedroom home in August.
Immigrating to a brand new nation “has been quite a bit simpler than we thought it might be,” she mentioned. “I really like my job. I’m happier professionally than I’ve been in a really very long time.”
