This is stunning new discovery.
After Donald Trump’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, a surprising number of Americans began contemplating emigration, with nearly half of Los Angeles residents considering a move abroad, according to a recent study by the Immigration Advice Service. The report highlights a notable trend: while about one in four Americans across the country expressed interest in relocating, the number is significantly higher in large urban centers like Los Angeles and New York.
In Los Angeles, nearly 47% of residents said they were seriously considering leaving the U.S. after the election results, with 35% of New Yorkers echoing similar sentiments. This trend reflects broader concerns about the direction of the country, especially in areas that tend to lean more liberal and have strong anti-Trump sentiments.
As Ono Okeregha, director of the Immigration Advice Service, points out, there’s a complex mix of factors driving these considerations. “Perceived stability—both financial and political—plays a major role,” he explained, emphasizing that many are feeling uncertain about the future of the country, particularly after a highly contentious election.
Younger Americans, especially those between 16 and 24, are more likely to explore emigration, with 40% of them expressing interest in leaving the U.S. In contrast, just 14% of Americans aged 55 and older share these concerns.
Canada emerges as a top destination for those looking to leave, with 29% of potential emigrants favoring the northern neighbor. The United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland are also on the radar for many, although the overwhelming majority of Americans remain committed to staying in their home country.
While the desire to leave the U.S. may seem high in some liberal-leaning regions, experts caution that actual migration is unlikely to skyrocket. “It’s important to recognize that while many Americans may talk about leaving, the practicalities of moving abroad—such as securing employment and adjusting to a new lifestyle—make it a challenging decision,” said financial adviser Alex Ingrim. He added that many people are merely exploring options, as the financial and logistical hurdles of emigration are significant.
The fact remains that for most Americans, while dissatisfaction with political leadership can prompt thoughts of leaving, the reality of uprooting one’s life is a far more complicated and costly process. And despite the strong emotions stirred by political leaders like Donald Trump, emigration on a mass scale remains a distant and unlikely outcome for the majority.