For the first time since the 1930s Great Depression, the United States is experiencing negative net migration—a phenomenon experts are calling the ‘Donald Dash.’ Vast numbers of Americans are relocating abroad, chasing affordability, safety, and enhanced living standards amid domestic challenges.
Financial Daily highlights Brookings estimates of 150,000 net departures last year, set to rise in 2026. Wall Street Journal data from 15 nations shows US immigration halved to 2.6-2.7 million in 2025 from 6 million prior. At minimum, 180,000 Americans moved there; totals will likely soar.
Overseas enclaves are swelling: 1.6 million in Mexico, 250,000 in Canada, 325,000 in Britain (part of Europe’s 1.5 million). Portugal’s surge post-pandemic hit 500%, plus 36% in 2024. Ireland’s 10,000 new arrivals doubled yearly; even Germany nets more from the US.
Demand for relocation services is exploding. Expatsey’s conference call saw 400 Americans eager for Albania tips. Founder Jen Barnett reflects, ‘Leavers were once thrill-seekers with elite quals; now it’s regular Joes like me.’ Target: 1 million moves.
Though accelerating under Trump 2.0—birthing the ‘Dash’ label—drivers include remote flexibility, housing crises, and life quality quests. White House pushes back: robust economy, 675,000 deportations, 2.2 million self-exits, and elite foreign inflows via pricey visas.
Renunciation frenzy: 48% uptick in 2024, jammed with tax-avoiders and dual-citizen hopefuls. Mid-career families dominate. Berlin transplant Chris Ford: ‘No school shooter fears here; Europe’s quality trumps US wages.’ Spain’s Alma Saiz Delgado jokes of romantic retentions.
Academia shifts too—17% fewer foreign students to US, more Americans to Europe. UK citizenship apps hit 6,600 by March 2025; Ireland dispensed 31,825 to Americans in 2024, from 40,000 before.
Kelly McCoy thrives in Albania on $1,000/month. History rhymes with 1935, when Depression migrants eyed Soviet gigs, flipping America to emigration hub.