**[CITY, STATE]** – The recent U.S. election has triggered a surge in Americans exploring options to leave the country, with many citing political and cultural disillusionment as their primary motivation. This trend, particularly among younger generations, highlights a growing sense of unease and a desire for alternative lifestyles beyond the borders of the United States.
Bianca Lynch, a 32-year-old digital nomad from North Carolina, exemplifies this sentiment. “When it comes to the American dream, I feel that I lived it, and it’s literally the reason that I left,” Lynch stated. She described having achieved the traditional markers of success – a three-story townhome, trucks, and a “big girl corporate six-figure job” – but found it ultimately unfulfilling. Lynch, who had always desired to travel, says the results of the 2024 election solidified her decision to make her nomadic lifestyle permanent. She expressed deep concern over the political climate, stating, “They’re poisoning the blood of our country… it’s very, very hard for us to see ourselves coming back and being in this country.”
Lynch’s experience echoes a broader trend. Prior to the election, reports highlighted Gen Z Americans feeling that the American dream was out of reach, with many expressing exhaustion with politics and even abstaining from voting. Now, the post-election landscape has seen a dramatic increase in searches for digital nomad visas, information on moving to Canada, and lists of the best countries to relocate to. Google searches for these terms peaked the day after the election, indicating a significant shift in mindset.
Jen Barnett, founder of Expy, a company that helps Americans travel and move abroad, has witnessed this surge firsthand. Her site, which first gained traction after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, experienced a staggering 10 months’ worth of traffic in the two weeks following the election. Barnett notes a significant change in the reasons people are seeking to leave. “72% of visitors to our website cite the U.S. being too conservative as the reason they want to move,” she explained, a 30% increase from before the election.
While some might view leaving as “giving up,” those choosing to relocate see it as a pursuit of peace and happiness. Lynch articulated this sentiment, stating, “Instead of trying to change an entire country when I can simply remove myself and go somewhere else and by default be happier, I’m choosing peace.”
When asked if she could see herself returning to the U.S. in the future, Lynch expressed skepticism. “The election was not the only reason that we decided to leave the country,” she explained. “Even under people who are not Trump, American culture is still American culture. It’s still the rat race. It’s very hard to imagine coming back after experiencing something way better.”
This post-election exodus reflects a growing divide within the United States, with many Americans seeking alternative paths and lifestyles beyond the country’s borders. The trend raises questions about the future of the American dream and the challenges facing a nation grappling with deep political and cultural divisions.