In 2022, as the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Jen Barnett witnessed a surge in interest for her website aimed at Americans looking to move abroad. She co-founded Expatsi, which has since helped thousands, with women making up two-thirds of clients. 'If it weren't for young women, this business wouldn't exist,' she said.
Growing Gender Gap in Emigration Desire
A Gallup poll last year found that 40% of American women aged 15 to 44 would move abroad permanently if possible, up fourfold since 2014. In contrast, only 19% of young men said the same, marking the widest gender divide recorded in any country polled.
Relocation firms report record inquiries from Americans. Irish passport applications from the US hit a decade high in early 2024, while long-stay visa requests to France rose. British citizenship applications from Americans surged to the highest since 2004.
Personal Stories of Disillusionment
The Guardian spoke to six US women who moved to Latin America and Europe. They cited gun violence, poor work-life balance, and political turmoil as tipping points. Emily Burt, 32, moved to Ecuador with her family. 'It has become harder and more dangerous to exist as a woman in the US,' she said, pointing to active shooter drills and disrespectful rhetoric.
Jenelle Jones, 39, left Tennessee for Albania after a year traveling Europe. 'Everybody says, "It's because of Trump, right?" It's yes and no, but it confirmed my decision,' she said. Courtney Schuyler, 43, moved to Madrid with her wife, citing stress as a marginalized community. 'It's like taking a deep breath again,' she said.
Alexandra Blydenburgh, 27, has lived in several European countries. 'Being American abroad is an endless cycle of visa hunting,' she said. Despite challenges like lower salaries, she prefers Europe's healthcare and work-life balance. 'In the US, I don't see free healthcare or six weeks of paid vacation in my lifetime.'
Political Shift as Primary Driver
Before 2024, Expatsi clients cited adventure or lower cost of living. After Trump's re-election in November 2024, 'the number one reason is politics,' Barnett said. Her company is part of a growing industry including She Hit Refresh, Blaxit Global, and GTFO tours. 'We would rather have democracy than the business, but we will seize the moment to help as many Americans as we can,' she added.
