The New American Dream is Leaving the US

Added: 2026-05-06

For the first time since the Great Depression, net migration out of the United States may be turning negative as Americans of all socioeconomic classes—wealthy entrepreneurs, retirees, and students—are increasingly relocating abroad to countries like Singapore, Dubai, Paraguay, Mexico, and European nations. This shift is driven by remote work technology, AI, and the internet making geographic mobility easier, combined with countries actively competing for American talent through digital nomad visas and tax incentives. The key insight is that economies are fragile at their margins, meaning small percentage changes in who leaves can create significant systemic fragility for those who remain. The recommended strategy is to build international optionality by diversifying assets, establishing residence permits in multiple countries, and structuring life globally rather than assuming US demand will continue indefinitely.