As polls began to indicate a potential second term for Donald Trump, many Americans were already considering a different kind of exit—relocating abroad.
Reuters reported that Google data revealed a sharp spike in searches related to moving, with “move to Canada” searches jumping by 1,270% within 24 hours after polls closed on the US East Coast on Tuesday. Searches about moving to New Zealand surged nearly 2,000%, while those for Australia increased by 820%. By late Wednesday night, searches for emigration had reached record levels for all three countries, according to a Google official.
Although Google does not release specific search numbers, Immigration New Zealand reported that its website saw approximately 25,000 new users from the US on November 7, a significant jump from 1,500 on the same day the previous year. Similarly, immigration law firms have been overwhelmed by inquiries.
Evan Green, managing partner at Green and Spiegel, Canada’s oldest immigration law firm, noted, “Every half-hour there is a new email enquiry.”
This wave of interest in emigration is reminiscent of the surge seen after first victory of Donald Trump in 2016. However, this time around, Trump’s re-election followed a particularly divisive campaign, with nearly three-quarters of voters believing that American democracy was at risk, according to Edison Research exit polls.
Concerns extend beyond presidency of Donald Trump, with many Americans worried about deeper divisions between Democrats and Republicans over issues like race, gender, education, and reproductive rights. “Trump is obviously the catalyst, but it’s also societal,” Green added. “The majority of Americans voting for him makes some people feel uneasy about living in that type of society. People fear losing freedoms.”
In online communities like the “r/AmerExit” group on Reddit, users have shared advice on destinations, visa processes, and job opportunities. Many expressed fear for their safety or uncertainty about the country’s future following Trump’s victory.
Despite the initial rush of interest, emigration remains a complex and often difficult process, leaving many wondering if they can truly make the leap.
