Political Posturing or Realistic Action?
Threats of Departure: Then and Now
In 2000, Eddie Vedder, the Pearl Jam baritone and outspoken proponent of abortion rights, threatened to move to “a different country” if George W. Bush were elected president. Similarly, Alec Baldwin and Robert Altman also claimed they would leave if Bush won. However, none of them followed through on their threats. This phenomenon of celebrities making empty promises to leave the United States became a right-wing joke. But with the current political climate and the specter of Donald Trump seeking a dictatorial comeback, the idea of leaving for more democratic shores is gaining fresh appeal.
The Fundamental Freedom to Move
While the common wisdom advises against making empty threats, the freedom to move is a fundamental right. The prospect of accepting a leader who attempted to install himself in the White House through a violent insurrection, like Trump did three years ago, has ignited a genuine desire for expatriation. This desire aligns with the three priceless freedoms proposed by authors David Graeber and David Wengrow in “The Dawn of Everything”: the freedom to disobey, the freedom to reimagine society, and the freedom to move away. Remembering that we have the option to leave sends a signal that we are still free in all three ways.
Considering the Failure of America
It is worth pondering whether America has finally failed, especially considering that many American families have an origin story rooted in escape. Gallup records show that a record number of Americans seriously considered leaving the United States during Trump’s term, with 16% expressing a desire to leave permanently. This was higher than during the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The desire to emigrate spiked again after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in 2022. The question then arises: What would it take for you to leave?
Practical Considerations and Opportunities Abroad
Emigrating to another country is not without its challenges, as bureaucracy can be a significant hurdle. However, finding a foothold abroad is easier than ever, especially with the rise of remote work during the pandemic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that around 28% of private-sector establishments had employees teleworking some or all the time. With the possibility of taking your job with you, supporting yourself in foreign lands becomes more feasible.
Stories of Those Who Left
Many individuals have already made the decision to leave the United States. A prominent American legal journalist moved her family to Canada to escape the far-right Supreme Court. A 26-year-old gay American fled political instability for Norway, creating a Reddit group to help others contemplating a move. One couple, Richard Altfeld and Tiana Esperanza, left for the Netherlands due to their disillusionment with American racism. The urge to escape is not limited to liberals, as even Republicans experience record-low levels of pride in being American, potentially prompting them to explore new homelands.
The Challenges of Departure
While leaving the United States may be an enticing idea, the reality is not always straightforward. Bureaucratic hurdles exist when considering countries like Canada. Furthermore, the autocracies that align with Trumpian values are often hostile to immigrants. Thus, the desire to leave may be accompanied by significant challenges and limitations.
Conclusion
The freedom to move remains a fundamental right and a worthwhile practice of citizenship. As the divide in America deepens and political tensions rise, emigration becomes a topic worth contemplating. Whether one ultimately decides to leave or not, the awareness that the option exists sends a powerful message that we are not trapped, but rather have the agency to shape our own destinies.
