Desire to Move Out of the Country Has Tripled Since 1974 Among US Citizens

The desire among US citizens to relocate abroad has significantly increased over the past five decades. A recent Monmouth University Poll reveals that the number of Americans who wish to settle in another country has tripled since 1974, reflecting changing sentiments in a politically and socially evolving nation.

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Rising Desire to Emigrate

One-third (34%) of Americans today express a desire to move and settle in another country if given the opportunity. This is a stark increase from the 10% who felt the same way in 1974. Historical data from the Gallup Organization, which tracked this sentiment between 1948 and 1995, shows that the desire to emigrate rarely exceeded 13% during that period, making the current figure notably higher.

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Political Affiliations and Emigration

Political affiliation plays a significant role in the desire to emigrate. The current poll shows that 41% of political independents wish to move abroad, compared to 35% of Democrats and 22% of Republicans. This trend has remained relatively consistent over the years, with independents historically more inclined to consider emigration than their partisan counterparts.

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Age and Racial Differences

Age also influences the desire to move abroad. Currently, 51% of Americans under 35 express a desire to relocate, up from 19% in 1974. Among those aged 35 to 54, 39% now wish to move, a significant increase from 6% fifty years ago. For Americans aged 55 and older, the desire to emigrate stands at 17%, up from 4% in 1974.

Racial demographics reveal that non-Hispanic whites have seen their desire to move abroad increase to 27% from 9% in 1974. Among people of color, this desire has surged to 45% from 17%.

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Possible Reasons for the Increase

Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, suggests that the significant increase in Americans wanting to leave the country is likely influenced by the heightened political tension and partisan conflict of recent years. This theory is supported by the consistent rise in the desire to emigrate among all political groups, particularly independents.

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Popular Travel Destinations

While the poll did not specifically ask where people would like to move, it did inquire about countries Americans are most interested in visiting. Italy tops the list, with 13% of respondents naming it their most desired travel destination, up from 7% in 1974. The United Kingdom remains a popular choice at 10%, unchanged from fifty years ago. Other notable mentions include Ireland, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, all of which have seen increased interest.

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