Decades ago, my parents made the life-altering decision to flee Soviet Russia, seeking freedom and opportunity in the West. Now, as political and social tensions rise in the United States, I find myself asking: is it time for my family to leave again?
A Legacy of Escape
My parents' journey out of the USSR was fraught with danger and uncertainty. They left behind everything—family, careers, and a familiar world—to give me a chance at a better life. Their timing was impeccable; the Soviet Union collapsed shortly after our departure, but the scars of its oppressive regime lingered.
The American Dream in Question
For years, the US felt like a sanctuary. But recent political upheavals, growing polarisation, and the erosion of democratic norms have left me uneasy. The parallels to the Soviet era are unsettling: the rise of authoritarian rhetoric, the suppression of dissent, and the weaponisation of fear.
A Family Dilemma
My children, born and raised in America, know nothing of the hardships my parents endured. Yet, I wonder if history is repeating itself. Should we stay and fight for the values we cherish, or is it wiser to seek refuge elsewhere before it's too late?
Weighing the Options
Leaving would mean uprooting our lives once more, but staying carries its own risks. The US is not the Soviet Union, but the warning signs are hard to ignore. As my parents did before me, I must decide what’s best for my family’s future.
