Now this is funny!
In the aftermath of recent political shifts and Trump winning, a significant number of Americans are exploring the possibility of relocating abroad. According to La Vida, a leading provider of visa services, traffic to their website spiked by an astonishing 2,300% on November 6th following the election. This surge in interest was far higher than the 4.5-fold increase they saw in 2020, suggesting that more Americans are considering life outside the U.S. as political tensions continue to rise.
La Vida noted that while they anticipated some increase in demand for visas following the election, the volume of inquiries “took them by surprise.” The company attributed this surge to a growing sense among Americans that, without a viable “Plan B,” they might be left with limited options at the ballot box, a situation that leaves many feeling unrepresented. Many Americans now see obtaining second residency or citizenship as a critical way to protect their financial security, lifestyle, and future against the unpredictability of shifting government policies.
This trend is not isolated. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of American investors and applicants seeking alternative residency programs has skyrocketed by a factor of 100, making the U.S. the largest market for La Vida’s services. A poll by Monmouth University revealed that 34% of Americans would consider relocating abroad if given the opportunity—a significant increase from just 12% in 1995. Experts believe the sharp rise is driven by the increasing political and social polarization in the U.S.
Canada remains a top destination for Americans seeking to escape domestic turmoil. Following Donald Trump’s first presidential victory in 2016, Americans flooded the Canadian immigration website. A similar pattern emerged after the November 2024 election, with Google Trends showing a notable uptick in searches for terms like “how to move to Canada” and “Canadian immigration requirements,” particularly from liberal-leaning states like Oregon, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Interestingly, under a potential second Trump administration, the process of living abroad could become easier for millions of Americans. During his campaign, Trump pledged to eliminate the “double taxation” of U.S. citizens living overseas, a significant issue for those already navigating the complexities of dual tax obligations. Currently, Americans abroad must file tax returns both with the IRS and the government of their country of residence. Trump’s proposed policy change could make it far less expensive for Americans to live and work overseas, offering them an incentive to consider relocating.
As more Americans look beyond U.S. borders for greater financial freedom and political stability, the demand for visa services and international relocation options is likely to continue to rise. This trend represents not just a reaction to political gridlock, but a broader desire for autonomy in an increasingly uncertain world. For those considering their future, the prospect of a second passport may provide the security and peace of mind they’re seeking.
