Exiles by Choice: The Unsettling Rise of American Expats

Hundreds of Americans are flocking to relocation tours and conferences in search of a better life abroad. This trend speaks to the deeply ingrained values and aspirations of a generation, driven not just by economic considerations or a lower cost of living but also by more profound desires.

Recent research from the Brookings Institution points to a record net negative migration of between 10,000 and 295,000 people in 2025. This is not simply a case of fleeing; it’s about choosing communities that better align with one’s moral compass.

Jesse Derr’s decision to move to Mexico, for example, is motivated by the country’s commitment to gender equality and reproductive rights, as well as a desire to escape what he perceives as America’s decline. This self-selection process reflects a growing disillusionment among Americans from all walks of life with their country’s trajectory.

The Expatsi conference in San Diego drew 600 attendees, double the number from its inaugural event just two years ago. These individuals are seeking a different kind of life – one that values community, sustainability, and social justice. Many have been priced out by America’s restrictive immigration policies and deportation efforts, while others feel stifled by the country’s politics.

The demographics of this trend are striking: 89% of attendees cited political reasons for their move, not necessarily from the left or right but from individuals disillusioned with America’s trajectory. They’re seeking a future that looks more like Europe, where social welfare and public healthcare are not just ideals but realities.

Attending these conferences comes at a steep cost – $500 to $1,000 per ticket plus tens of thousands for transportation and shipping costs. However, for those who have been priced out or feel stifled by America’s politics, it’s a small price to pay for the promise of a more just and equitable society.

As Von Bradley noted, this is not just about escaping; it’s about finding a place where your dollars can go further in retirement. It’s also about creating a life that values community over consumption and sustainability over growth at any cost.

The implications of this trend are far-reaching, challenging the notion that America remains the land of opportunity for all. It speaks to a generation no longer content with the status quo but instead seeking a different kind of future – one that looks more like a global community than a fragmented nation.

Derr’s decision to move to Mexico hangs in the balance, waiting on the outcomes of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. This raises questions about what this means for America’s own identity and purpose: are we a country that values individual freedom above all else or one that seeks to create a more just and equitable society? The exiles by choice are asking these very questions – and in doing so, they’re forcing the rest of us to confront our own values and aspirations.

As this trend continues to unfold, it’s clear that America is no longer the only game in town. But what does this mean for those who remain behind? Will we take note of the values and aspirations of these expats and strive to create a more just and equitable society at home or will we continue down the path of polarization and division?

The choice, much like Derr’s, is ours.