For the second consecutive year, about one in five Americans say they would like to leave the U.S. and move permanently to another country if given the chance. The trend is especially pronounced among women aged 15 to 44, 40% of whom now express a desire to move abroad, a fourfold increase compared to 2014. This surge began in 2016, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election, and has remained near these levels through 2025, suggesting a broader generational shift rather than a purely partisan phenomenon.
A Historic Gender Gap in Migration Aspirations
The growing desire to emigrate has created a 21-point gender gap between young men (19%) and women (40%), the largest Gallup has ever recorded. Since Gallup began tracking global migration aspirations in 2007, few countries have shown such stark differences between men and women. These findings reflect aspirations rather than actual intentions, but they indicate that millions of young American women are imagining their future outside the United States.
Age Differences and Broader Implications
While the desire to move abroad is currently elevated among Americans under 45, it remains low and stable among those aged 45 and older, for both men and women. The trend highlights significant social and generational changes, which could have long-term implications for the U.S. workforce, demographics, and economic patterns if these aspirations influence future migration behavior.
