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Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Number Of 'Trumpugees' Leaving America Continues to Rise
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A week ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on Monday, which delivered yet another blow to the United States' transgender community, Grover Wehman-Brown was at "the bitter end of packing" ahead of their big move to Europe. Wehman-Brown, a transgender writer and consultant, read the writing on the wall long before the country's top court threw out judicial decisions favoring trans people and sided with states that have introduced bans on youth transgender care, like Tennessee. In the years since President Donald Trump's first mandate, Wehman-Brown had noticed that things were changing in the country. Last year, in the lead-up to the presidential election, they became sure: the U.S. was no longer a country where their non-traditional, LGBTQ+ family could thrive, or even feel welcome. They are hardly the only people to feel that way. The past few months have seen a surge in the number of Americans looking into leaving the U.S. or seeking dual citizenship because of the political climate gripping the country, especially LGBTQ+ individuals and families. A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll found that four in 10 U.S. adults (42 percent) have considered or plan to relocate outside the country to improve their quality of life or financial position. Among younger generations, these numbers were even higher, at 63 percent among Gen Zers and 52 percent among millennials. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty/Canva One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month. The company refers to them as "Trumpugees." "I think a lot of Americans have sort of been waiting to see how things are going, but they just keep getting worse," Bethany Quinn, a relocation coach working for GTFO Tours, told Newsweek. Since January, there has been a series of crucial "moments" that have been identified with a spike in interest among U.S. nationals to relocate abroad. "The inauguration was one of the moments, where on the first day Trump issued 30 different executive orders that reversed 60+ years of progress that people have made," Quinn said. "And then, I think, the fact that Trump took control of the military to attack U.S. citizens [in Los Angeles] was also deeply deeply concerning." That might have been the moment when many Americans realized that even living in a blue state couldn't keep them away from the conservative wave sweeping the country. "I think in the past, there have been a lot of very wealthy people who have sort of moved around depending on when and where the tax laws are," Quinn said. "And I think there is probably an increase in folks doing that too now, but a lot of Americans are just looking to have a peaceful life. They just wanna live their lives and they don't want to worry about their safety. They don't wanna worry about their government collapsing." 'I Don't Want To Shrink Again' Wehman-Brown is originally from rural Ohio, but has moved with their wife to many different cities and regions around the U.S. for the 14 years they have been together, "trying to find the right mix of things we need in our life." That includes LGBTQ+ friendly places with strong economies and job opportunities, access to nature and greenery, a good environment to raise kids, and that are neither too hot nor too expensive. For the past decade, they have been moving back and forth between the San Francisco Bay Area and western Massachusetts, where they lived until last week. But even these places, regarded among the most liberal in the country, did not offer Wehman-Brown's family the safety and stability they were seeking. "I have been working in social justice communications and tracking the news very closely, both in terms of housing costs and housing unaffordability and the increasingly fraying social net. And I was seeing that crisis continue to get worse and worse," Wehman-Brown told Newsweek. "I was also working for an organization tracking and responding to white supremacy; and as I was tracking the rise of the right, I started talking very seriously with my wife about considering making life elsewhere." Grover Wehman-Brown (inset). Main: Wehman-Brown's family during a visit to the Netherlands ahead of their move from the United States. Grover Wehman-Brown (inset). Main: Wehman-Brown's family during a visit to the Netherlands ahead of their move from the United States. Grover Wehman-Brown/EPLi Wehman-Brown became increasingly aware that LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. were facing a political and legal backlash. "I found myself becoming more and more isolated again as I was assessing increased risk," they said. "I'm trans and I'm visibly gender non-conforming and I grew up in the 90s in rural Ohio and experienced a lot of violence, people running me off the roads, job discrimination, people slamming me into lockers, people threatening to kill me or assault me for being in a straight bar," they said. "That kind of constant threat and vigilance is what I came out into, and it feels like we've returned to a time where some of those tensions are present again in my life," they said, even though they were living "in one of the most liberal and queer-affirming states in our country." Wehman-Brown decided they didn't want to "shrink" again, and they wanted their kids, aged 10 and 12, to live the best lives possible. "They are at a very specific time in their lives, where what happens in the next 10 years is going to set the stage for their life," they said. Making Life Elsewhere About three weeks into the second Trump administration, when Elon Musk started mass layoffs and cuts at federal agencies, Wehman-Brown and their wife decided to move their family to the Netherlands. "I had gone to the Netherlands once 15 years ago, and I really liked the short amount of time I spent there, so I was like, 'this is really a lovely place where everybody seems busy and purposeful, but cooperating well together and things are running smoothly,'" they said. Free health insurance, well-funded schools and the widespread use of English in Dutch society sealed the deal. However, despite numerous perks to look forward to, it has been challenging to take the step to leave the U.S., potentially for good. "Emotionally, it's just been very hard to unwind the connections and community relationships we've built here," Wehman-Brown said. "And I also love the land we live on, our house. It's sad to walk away from caring for it," they added. "Logistically, we were pretty worried about finding a house, because we've heard it's been really challenging," they said. But working with a company that helps expats find housing in the Netherlands, Wehman-Brown and their family have found a "really great apartment" to rent, which also allowed them to get a Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa. This visa, aimed at American entrepreneurs, "is one of the easiest ways for Americans to move to Europe," Quinn said. "A lot of other countries have start-up visas, but they tend to have higher capital requirements, and they also are pickier about what kind of industry you can work in," they added. "But in the Netherlands, you can really do pretty much any kind of freelancing. I know a guy who sells brownies at the market and has a very successful business," they said. Wehman-Brown hopes to continue working in writing and consulting, while their kids have luckily found a spot in an international school in the Netherlands. Despite their disillusionment with how things are going in the U.S., Wehman-Brown has not given up on the country entirely yet. "I still believe that this country is full of mostly amazing, brave, creative people who ultimately want to live peacefully together," they said. "And I'm hopeful that the U.S. in 15 or 20 years might be a place where I want to spend large chunks of my life again."
Irish Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Trumpugees moving to Ireland cite housing crisis and expenses as major drawbacks
Rising numbers of Trumpugees are exploring relocation to Ireland but they are finding the country's welcoming reputation doesn't extend to its immigration laws. While English-speaking countries likte Ireland, the UK and Canada top the list for prospective American emigrants, countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal offer far less restrictive entry pathways. So far this year, the number of US applicants for Foreign Birth Registrations – a pathway to Irish citizenship for those with Irish grandparents – has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year. By the end of May, more than 8,000 Americans had applied under the so-called 'granny rule,' hoping to secure the coveted Irish passport. Jana Sanchez, a former US congressional nominee and founder of GTFO Tours, says Ireland consistently ranks high on the wish list of Americans considering emigration. 'The first countries that most Americans would think of to move to are English-speaking countries, like Canada, the UK, Ireland.' But she added: 'They don't really want Americans. You're the hardest countries to go to, unless you're a nurse or a scientist.' A key obstacle is Ireland's high passive income visa requirement, which she says is used by about half of American emigrants. 'They are retirees or have made enough money. For a couple, you need €100,000 a year in passive income to get a visa,' Sanchez explained. 'Compare that to Portugal, where it's about €10,000 per person – around €15,000 for a couple.' 'Ireland also has a huge housing crisis, and it's just much more expensive.' Rosie O'Donnell – currently in the process of acquiring Irish citizenship through her Irish grandparents – credited her decision to Trump's second inauguration. Sanchez said many of her clients are from vulnerable communities. 'A huge number of LGBTQ, especially trans people, are really scared,' she says. 'In Texas, they're debating whether to make being trans a felony punishable by two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.' Miglena Ilieva, managing partner at ILEX Law Group, which specialises in Irish and UK immigration law, is advising a retired academic couple from Illinois hoping to relocate to Ireland. They are currently based in Portugal while they work on qualifying for Ireland's Stamp 0 visa for people with independent means. 'They're both at a university in Illinois and were looking for a way to retire in Ireland. They want to come to Ireland because it's so culturally similar to what they're used to, and they can navigate it. 'They're in Portugal right now, and they're having a nightmare with the language. They don't want to be there, they want to be in Ireland.' The couple is a few thousand euros a year short of the income requirement, but they are exploring investment options to close the gap. They remain positive despite housing and cost-of-living challenges, describing Ireland as 'friendly, vibrant and gorgeous'. Ilieva says there is growing interest from Americans, with dozens of recent inquiries but while many Americans have Irish ancestry, most don't qualify for citizenship. Other options include a working visa which requires a job offer. In recent weeks, the Irish Government has acknowledged the potential to attract top US researchers with its Global Talent Initiative. Minister James Lawless said Ireland would remain open to 'the best and brightest fleeing the US university system'. 'We are committed to supporting Irish researchers at home and to welcoming exceptional global talent who might now be questioning where they can further their work,' he said. He pledged €9 million in annual support for researchers in key fields like AI, semiconductors, digital healthcare, and food security. The UK already operates a Global Talent Visa that allows researchers and academics to move without a job offer, provided they are endorsed by an approved body. Ilieva believes something similar could help Ireland attract top global talent. Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, a US-born migration expert and academic coach who studied at Georgetown and Harvard, says Ireland isn't widely known in the US as an academic haven – yet. In her role as a coach to people in career transition or who wish to move out of the US, she sees 'huge interest in Ireland'. She added: 'It's English speaking. It's part of the EU. A number of people are actively trying to apply for jobs and in order to get an employer-sponsored visa. 'What I'm finding, though, is that not everybody has a really strong knowledge of what even visas are, what the European Union is. 'It's not something they've ever had to think about before.' Klekowski von Koppenfels has worked with everyone from climate scientists to psychotherapists and journalists considering a move to Ireland. Often, they're professionals seeking a less stressful life. She said: 'Ireland is progressive, and since we have so many Irish in the United States, it's a bit of a known quantity.' In terms of people considering Ireland, it is in the 'dozens ' or 'possibly in the hundreds|', and from areas such as the east coast to Ohio. She estimates 1% to 2% of Americans – potentially 3 to 6 million people – are seriously considering leaving the US. 'Certainly, people are applying for Irish passports and getting those recognised. It's something I do hear quite a lot of.'
Forbes
26-04-2025
- Forbes
How Some Americans Have Found A Clever New Way To Move Abroad
Americans are finding a new way to move abroad—by studying in a historic European city while paving a path to long-term residency. Americans aren't just dreaming about moving abroad—they're making it happen. A recent survey found that 17% of Americans plan to move overseas within the next five years, with another 5% actively working on their relocation. There are many ways to live overseas, from golden visa programs (which give residency by investment) to citizenship by ancestry. But some Americans have found a clever new way to move abroad—by becoming a student. And here's the trick: It's not just for students. As founder of Finding La Dolce Vita—an Italy-based agency that helps Americans and other foreigners move to Europe—Kim Englehart is used to assisting families with student visas, primarily for young adults looking to study abroad, particularly in Europe. But last year, a middle-aged client approached the company with a different request: Could Finding La Dolce Vita obtain a student visa for the client to take classes abroad herself? 'At first, I thought it was just a one-off,' Englehart told me in an interview. 'But then, more and more people started inquiring.' Fast forward—the number of American students studying abroad is on the rise. According to a November 2024 report, it increased by 49% in 2022-23 over the previous year (the most recent data available). And according to Englehart, the number of clients age 40s and up who are seeking student visas has soared. The reasons vary: Some clients want to immerse themselves in a new culture, while others are drawn to the well-documented cognitive effects of lifelong learning. But for many, the ultimate goal is something bigger—using education as a stepping stone to long-term residency and, in some cases, a second passport. Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels—a relocation consultant and career coach who also mentors Americans applying to graduate programs abroad—says she's seeing a similar trend. 'I am seeing increased interest in applying to graduate school in Europe,' she told me in an interview. 'But I also see that these are genuine applications. They are applying to programs they are qualified for, interested in and excited about.' According to Klekowski von Koppenfels, many clients had already intended to pursue graduate studies—but recent events have prompted them to act sooner rather than later. 'Most of them had planned to apply to graduate school at some point, and now seemed to be a good moment to do so,' she says. The study-abroad strategy is also gaining traction among families, according to Jana Sanchez, cofounder of GTFO Tours, a new Netherlands-based relocation company that helps Americans settle overseas. 'This is a thing,' Sanchez told me in an interview. She is seeing it mainly with 'adult children of Americans who are coming to Europe on passive income visas or even entrepreneur visas or for countries, like the UK, that don't have digital nomad or passive income visas.' And for many families, the goal isn't just education—it's creating a safe, long-term future abroad for their children. 'In almost every country you can bring children up to age 18, but a lot of parents, especially those of LGBTQ adult children, are trying specifically to get their children out, so they take them with them on a student visa.' Another perk to studying abroad: Many Americans find that tuition at foreign institutions is significantly lower than in the U.S., making this an appealing option for people looking to further their education without the American price tag. Plus: 'Higher education in Europe is not only more affordable, but of a higher academic level,' says Englehart. In countries like France and Italy, international students can pay as little as $2,100 a year for a bachelor's degree at public universities. Even private universities (which tend to be more expensive) offer programs ranging from $2,100 to $21,000 a year. 'Another point: Getting a PhD in Europe is very inexpensive, so if people really do want to study, there's no better time,' says Sanchez. Another thing going for this plan: health care. According to Englehart, international students in places like France and Italy can tap into high-quality health care at a fraction of U.S. costs. Best of all, it could be a stepping stone to building a new life in Europe—the life you've always dreamed of. For people who want to consider this route, here are some key points to keep in mind: Residency and Citizenship Pathways Differ: Be careful to check the rules for each country. Sanchez points out that while student visas can be an excellent tool for jump-starting a new life abroad, it's important to think long-term, since in some countries 'student visa time spent doesn't count towards permanent residency or second passports.' That said: While a student visa won't immediately grant residency, it can be a stepping stone, as some countries allow students to transition to work visas or residency permits after their studies. Student Visa Requirements Vary by Country: Some nations have age restrictions or proof-of-funds requirements, so research is key. Enrollment Must Be Legitimate: You'll need to be accepted into a recognized university or educational institution, and in many cases, maintain a full course load. Financial Considerations: Tuition in many European countries is affordable, but you'll need to prove financial self-sufficiency to qualify for a visa. Language: You don't need to speak the language; many universities across Europe offer courses in English. Some countries are particularly attractive, thanks to student-friendly visa policies and accessible paths to residency. Italy: Italy offers student visas that can lead to long-term residency, and the country's public universities 'offer affordable education,' says Englehart, whose company specializes principally in France and Italy. 'Tuition fees vary depending on the institution, program and the student's family income.' Englehart recommends a mix of public and private institutions, including University of Bologna (founded in 1088, it is Europe's oldest university in continuous operation), Sapienza University of Rome (one of Europe's largest universities), University of Padua (established in 1222 and offering courses in agriculture, engineering, medicine and science), Bocconi University (a private university located in Milan, renowned for its programs in economics, management, finance and law), Politecnico di Milano (specializing in engineering, architecture and design). France: 'French public universities are known for their affordable tuition fees, even for international students,' says Englehart, who recommends spots like Université Paris-Saclay (located near Paris), Université d'Orléans (in the historic city of Orléans), Aix-Marseille Université (in the south of France), Université de Montpellier (one of the world's oldest universities) and Université de Paris (which combines centuries of academic tradition with modern offerings). Another perk: France grants long-term residency to students who meet specific criteria, including job placement after graduation. Portugal: Known for its affordable cost of living and welcoming expat community, Portugal offers residency options for students who later transition to work visas. Top universities include the University of Lisbon (Portugal's largest university, with strong programs in humanities, sciences and technology) and the University of Coimbra (known for law, medicine and liberal arts). Spain: Allows non-EU students to apply for post-study work permits, making it easier to stay beyond their education. Popular choices include University of Barcelona (a top-ranked university offering an array of English-taught programs) and Autonomous University of Madrid (highly regarded for law, sciences and humanities). Germany: With tuition-free education at public universities, Germany is a budget-friendly option for people looking to study and stay. Standout institutions include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (with a broad range of programs), Heidelberg University (renowned for medicine and natural sciences) and Technical University of Munich (a top choice for engineering, technology and applied sciences).
