As election results confirmed another term for Donald Trump, many Americans responded in a surprising way—by searching for ways to leave the country. Within hours after the polls closed on the U.S. East Coast, Google searches for “move to Canada” jumped by a staggering 1,270%. Other popular destinations included New Zealand, with search interest spiking nearly 2,000%, and Australia, where the search surge reached 820%. A Google spokesperson confirmed that searches related to emigrating hit record highs for all three countries late into Wednesday evening.
While Google refrains from disclosing exact search figures, data from the Immigration New Zealand website revealed a notable shift. On November 7, approximately 25,000 U.S. users visited the site, a massive increase from the 1,500 who did the same the previous year. The increase in traffic wasn’t just limited to search engines; immigration law firms saw a dramatic rise in inquiries. Evan Green, managing partner of Green and Spiegel, Canada’s oldest immigration law firm, noted a sharp rise in emails, saying new inquiries poured in every half hour.
For many, this desire to relocate abroad echoes a similar trend after Trump’s initial victory in 2016. Yet this time, the sentiment feels more urgent. A particularly divisive campaign season left nearly three-quarters of voters feeling American democracy itself was at risk, according to exit polls from Edison Research. Trump’s re-election now has Americans questioning how it will impact key issues—from race and education to reproductive rights and individual freedoms.
Reddit’s “AmerExit” Group Explores New Destinations
Trump’s second win has not only driven people to Google; it’s also brought many to online communities dedicated to exploring options abroad. One such group, the Reddit forum “r/AmerExit,” has seen an influx of users sharing advice on potential destinations and discussing pathways to acquire visas and employment. Members voiced fears over their personal safety and the future of the country, with many feeling alienated by what they see as a growing cultural and ideological divide.
Immigration professionals confirm that the heightened anxiety predates Election Day. Heather Bell, an immigration consultant with Bell Alliance in Vancouver, shared that the trend started well before November. More Americans were already looking to leave the U.S., citing various concerns over Trump’s policies. However, according to Bell, the actual process of moving to Canada is far more challenging than most might expect. With Canada’s recent restrictions on immigration numbers, securing permanent residency or even temporary status has become increasingly difficult, turning many hopefuls away.
Despite this, discussions about life abroad have blossomed into active conversations, with individuals weighing the practicalities of uprooting their lives. People express concerns over a broad spectrum of issues that have only deepened with Trump’s return to the White House. For them, the idea of leaving isn’t just reactionary—it’s part of a broader sense of uncertainty about America’s direction.
Our Take
The sharp increase in emigration interest reveals a stark division within the U.S. Trump’s re-election has pushed many Americans to consider drastic lifestyle changes, a trend that suggests a deeper and more troubling divide in the nation’s social fabric. While leaving the country may provide some solace for those feeling out of place, this exodus mentality reflects a growing unwillingness to engage in civic processes to bring about change. In the end, fleeing isn’t the answer; Americans might be better served working toward a more unified, inclusive society, rather than seeking refuge elsewhere.
