The New American Dream: A Passport

Is This the Exit Era?

The New American Dream? A Passport, To-Go Bag, & Exit Plan

The New American Dream isn’t a white picket fence—it’s a passport, a to-go bag, and an exit plan. In this so-called Exit Era, more Americans—especially those who stay tapped into All American-ish, Real Talk Politics, and Independent Political Commentary—are reimagining freedom not as something tied to soil, but to mobility. With Breaking News cycles dominated by names like Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and the constant tug-of-war in Modern American Politics, many are asking: is this still the land of opportunity, or has the dream evolved into something... portable? Influencers like Tabitha Speaks Politics and outlets like Meidas Touch and Smart News for Real People are giving voice to an unfiltered, nonpartisan news generation—those who love this country deeply, yet recognize that a single ZIP code shouldn't define their destiny. As the U.S. democracy we know continues to weather storm after storm, this new generation isn’t running—they’re preparing. They're engaged in U.S. news, absorbing independent news, and reclaiming agency. A passport isn’t about escape. It’s about options. And in today’s America, options may be the real American dream.

🚪 Why Are Americans Leaving?

1. Political Polarization & Social Unrest

According to a 2024 Expatsi survey, 56% of Americans believe the U.S. has become too conservative, and 53% said political divisiveness is a primary reason they’re considering moving abroad. From state-level rollbacks on reproductive rights to rising hate crimes, many people—especially women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ communities—feel increasingly vulnerable.

2. Economic Pressure Cooker

The U.S. is facing one of the most significant affordability crises in modern history. In 2024, overall prices rose by 3.1%, while housing costs increased 5.7% and transportation jumped 9.4%. Many Americans feel like they’re working harder than ever just to survive. As one 30-year-old remote worker who relocated to Portugal put it, “I couldn’t afford to live where I grew up. Now I pay less and live better.”

3. Gun Violence & Safety Concerns

With more than 600 mass shootings reported annually in recent years, safety has become a major reason for leaving. Parents, in particular, cite gun violence as a growing fear. One mother who moved to the Netherlands noted, “We left so our children could go to school without doing active shooter drills.”

4. Burnout & Lack of Work-Life Balance

Other countries are offering what many Americans can only dream of: 30+ vacation days, affordable healthcare, and a culture that doesn’t worship overwork. People are choosing a slower, saner lifestyle where wellness isn’t a luxury—it's built into the system.

🌍 Where Are They Going?

The U.S. State Department estimates that over 5.5 million Americans are now living abroad, up 100,000 from the previous year. These countries are becoming top destinations for U.S. expats:

🇵🇹 Portugal

●      Why: Beautiful landscapes, strong expat networks, and affordability.

●      Visa: D7 (for passive income) and Digital Nomad visas.

●      Stat: Named the #1 country Americans want to move to in Expatsi’s 2024 report.

🇲🇽 Mexico

●      Why: Proximity to the U.S., vibrant culture, lower cost of living.

●      Visa: Temporary and permanent residency options are straightforward.

●      Stat: An estimated 1.6 million Americans now live in Mexico.

🇪🇸 Spain

●      Why: Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent healthcare, slower pace.

●      Visa: Non-lucrative (for retirees) and Digital Nomad visas.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

●      Why: “Pura vida” lifestyle, biodiversity, safety.

●      Visa: Pensionado and Rentista programs, plus new Digital Nomad visa.

🇵🇦 Panama

●      Why: U.S. dollar is legal currency, excellent retiree benefits.

●      Visa: Friendly Nations Visa allows for a fast-track to residency.

🇨🇦 Canada

●      Why: Universal healthcare, multicultural society, proximity.

●      Visa: Express Entry, work permits, and family sponsorships.

🇦🇱 Albania

●      Why: Low cost of living, extended visa-free stay for Americans.

●      Visa: Americans can stay up to 365 days visa-free.

🧳 What They’re Saying

“I didn’t leave America. It left me.” – Former tech worker now based in Berlin

“I want to raise my daughter where being a woman isn’t a liability.” – Healthcare provider who moved to Scandinavia

“I was tired of surviving. I wanted to live.” – Artist now living in Mexico City

My Personal Story

When I left for London to write my book Chasing Greatness: The Young Professional’s Guide to a Dynamic Life, I wasn’t just chasing a title—I was chasing a transformation. My goal was simple: immerse myself in a new culture, meet fascinating people, and gather stories rich enough to someday share with my future grandchildren. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply the experience would shape me. Living abroad opened my eyes to perspectives far beyond what I had known in the U.S. I gained a deeper appreciation for cultural nuance, learned to navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence, and discovered the kind of resilience that only comes from being out of your comfort zone. More than anything, I realized that the United States—while powerful and influential—is just one piece of a vast, complex global puzzle. That awareness fundamentally shifted how I see the world, my career, and my responsibility as a global citizen. London didn’t just give me content for a book—it gave me clarity, courage, and a broader understanding of what it truly means to live a dynamic life.

Now, with this new administration and the changes happening both in the country and globally, my certainty that I will remain in the United States forever is fading—not in the sense that I would ever fully leave. I still know the United States is one of the greatest places to live, to build, and to seize opportunity, even with all our flaws. But perhaps it’s time to consider having homes in other countries—to cushion the blow, to create balance, and to restore some personal peace amid what feels like, and will likely be, a long period of rebuilding. Rebuilding community. Rebuilding trust. Rebuilding a sense of collective identity and purpose. The cultural fractures and political turmoil, long before and long after Trump, have revealed a deeper struggle for the soul of America. And while I remain hopeful and committed to being part of that healing, having the ability to step outside of it—even temporarily—may be necessary for maintaining my own clarity, resilience, and optimism. It’s not about abandoning America. It’s about creating a global perspective that feeds my spirit while I continue fighting for a better version of home.

✈️ Is the Passport the New American Dream?

This isn’t about giving up—it’s about choosing differently. For many, the American Dream is no longer about loyalty to a country but loyalty to self-preservation and sanity. They want access to healthcare, time to enjoy life, and the security of knowing their children can play outside or go to school safely.

The passport has become a symbol of hope, opportunity, and sometimes, escape. It's not just a travel document—it’s a lifeline.

📦 Final Thought: What’s in Your To-Go Bag?

As economic and political instability grows, more Americans are preparing a “just in case” plan. Whether they act on it or not, the trend signals a shift in how people see America—not just as the dream, but as a launchpad to new possibilities. In the new American Dream, freedom doesn’t always mean staying—it sometimes means knowing when to go.

Would you leave the U.S. if you could?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—no passport required. 🛂