Recent reports found that a large number of Americans have been leaving the country to live abroad amid the pandemic. Expatriate organisations and immigration lawyers are stating that Americans are applying for foreign visas in numbers never seen before. Some observers are citing political unrest, racial tension, and general discontentment as reasons for this surge, but there could be much more. Let’s take a closer look at what is motivating more US citizens to move and some words of advice for people who want to make the jump.
Escaping the Chaos
The biggest reason for the exodus of American citizens to other countries seems to be the hostile political climate in the country at the moment. People on both sides of the isle are making the move too. Those on the right are scared about the rise of neo-liberalism and see restrictions as a direct attack on their civil liberties, while those on the left see the rise of the alt-right and the swing of the supreme court to the left as major threats.
This can be evidenced by the fact that many of those American citizens are not only moving out but moving back to their countries of origin. They are trying to escape the pervasive racism in American society but are also looking for things like better and safer schools for their children.
Remote Work and the Global Community
Not all Americans are moving to escape social strife, however. People often forget that the digital nomad movement was in full swing before the pandemic, and some Americans still want to live that lifestyle even if travel between nations has been heavily curtailed. Remote work is now the new normal and has pushed many workers to move out to not only the suburbs, but other countries where their money would stretch longer. Others are looking to be exposed to new opportunities.
The UK Seems to be a Top Destination for New Expats
While places like Southeast Asia and South America used to be prime destinations for American expats, a very high number of them are choosing to move to the UK, especially London. The head of Sotheby’s International Realty U.K, Guy Bradshaw, stated that a growing number of US residents are looking for one-year rentals in the city. He said that the major reason for this is that the pandemic has opened more opportunities for remote work and is pushing more single individuals and families to try something new.
Getting long-term and short-term rentals is also easier than ever in the city. You have services that allow people to find a room for rent fast and easily. These services allow people to rent rooms by the week, month, or year fast and easily. Cultural affinities between the UK and the US might play a role in his movement of US citizens which could continue for many years to come.
The pandemic and other social issues are having a transformative effect on American society. Only the future will tell what will happen, but one thing is for sure, and that is that Americans have more options than ever and are ready to exercise them.
