U.S. Loses Appeal to Expats: Survey Reveals Growing Dissatisfaction
Table of Contents
- 1. U.S. Loses Appeal to Expats: Survey Reveals Growing Dissatisfaction
- 2. A drastic Drop in Global Ranking
- 3. Key Areas of Concern
- 4. The Impact of Recent Policies
- 5. Economic Uncertainty Adds to the Strain
- 6. Global Comparison
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about expats in the U.S.
- 8. Are expats considering relocating from the USA due to safety concerns, and if so, where are they considering moving to?
- 9. Expats Growing Concerned Over Safety and Economic Challenges in the USA
- 10. rising Safety Concerns Among the Expat Community
- 11. Economic Headwinds Impacting Expat Life
- 12. The Cost of Living Crisis
- 13. Tax Implications for Foreign Nationals
- 14. Impact on expat Relocation & Retention
- 15. Real-World Examples & Case studies
- 16. Practical Tips for Expats in the USA
- 17. Resources for Expats
Washington D.C. – The United States is facing a troubling decline in its standing among expatriate residents, according to a recently published survey. The 2025 Expat Insider report indicates diminishing satisfaction across a range of vital areas, prompting questions about the country’s future as a destination for global talent and citizens seeking a new life abroad.
A drastic Drop in Global Ranking
The survey, which assessed opinions of expats in 46 nations, placed the united States 36th overall – a noticeable decrease from its 35th position among 53 countries in the previous year. Experts suggest the shrinking pool of assessed nations makes this relative decline even more concerning, signaling a move from the lower third to the bottom fifth of global rankings.
Key Areas of Concern
Expatriates expressed increasing dissatisfaction with several key aspects of life in the United States. Concerns about environmental policies surged, with 42 percent of respondents in 2025 disagreeing with the notion that the U.S. government adequately supports environmental protections, a rise from 27 percent in 2024. Moreover, nearly 41 percent voiced anxieties regarding political stability.
A significant 58 percent of expats now indicate they feel comfortable expressing their opinions openly, a nearly 10-point decrease from the prior year. The perception of American friendliness towards foreign residents has also diminished,along with a reduction in positive views of the nation’s economy,falling from 64 to 56 percent.
The Impact of Recent Policies
Legal professionals attribute much of this decline to recently implemented immigration policies. “The restrictive immigration policies, particularly those reinstated and intensified this year, have created a pervasive sense of uncertainty and insecurity among expats,” explains Loren Locke, a managing immigration attorney. “This directly impacts their perception of political stability and personal safety.”
The current administration’s actions, including 181 executive actions targeting immigration within the first 100 days, have fueled thes concerns. These actions range from restricting new arrivals to initiating mass deportations. Together, a decrease in the overall foreign-born population has been observed, falling from a record high of 53.3 million at the beginning of 2025 to 51.9 million by June of the same year. The labor force has also felt the impact, with 750,000 immigrant workers leaving between January and June, reducing the proportion of foreign-born workers to 19 percent.
Economic Uncertainty Adds to the Strain
Economists also point to growing economic anxieties. Professor Francesco Bogliacino notes uncertainty surrounding tariff policies, cuts to federal programs, and restrictive immigration measures are all contributing factors.He cautions, though, that the sample used in the survey may not fully represent the broad expatriate experiance.
Global Comparison
While the U.S. faces these challenges, other nations are gaining prominence as desirable destinations for expats. Countries like Panama, Colombia, and Mexico consistently rank highly, offering a balance of economic chance and quality of life.In fact, Colombia is ranked second for expats in 2025.
| Rank | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Panama |
| 2 | Colombia |
| 3 | Mexico |
| 4 | Thailand |
| 5 | Vietnam |
| 6 | China |
| 7 | UAE |
| 8 | Indonesia |
| 9 | Spain |
| 10 | Malaysia |
| … | … |
| 36 | USA |
Did You Know? The U.S.experienced a decrease of over two million in its foreign-born population in the first half of 2025, according to data from the Pew Research Center.
Frequently Asked Questions about expats in the U.S.
- What is driving the decline in the U.S. expat ranking? Restrictive immigration policies and growing concerns about political stability and economic uncertainty are key factors.
- how have immigration policies changed recently? The current administration has implemented 181 executive actions targeting immigration, including curbs on new arrivals and increased deportations.
- What impact has this had on the U.S. labor force? There’s been a notable decrease in the number of immigrant workers, impacting various sectors.
- Are expats concerned about expressing their opinions in the U.S.? Yes, a significant percentage of expats report feeling less comfortable expressing their opinions freely.
- Which countries are currently more appealing to expatriates? Panama, Colombia, and Mexico consistently rank highly as desirable destinations.
Are expats considering relocating from the USA due to safety concerns, and if so, where are they considering moving to?
Expats Growing Concerned Over Safety and Economic Challenges in the USA
rising Safety Concerns Among the Expat Community
For decades, the United States has been a magnet for expats seeking career advancement, educational opportunities, and a higher quality of life. However, a noticeable shift is occurring. Recent surveys and anecdotal evidence suggest a growing unease among the expat community in the USA regarding personal safety and security. This isn’t simply about crime statistics; it’s a complex interplay of factors.
Increased Gun Violence: High-profile mass shootings and a general rise in gun-related incidents are a significant source of anxiety. Many foreign nationals living in the US express discomfort with the prevalence of firearms.
Political Polarization: The increasingly divisive political climate contributes to a sense of instability and potential for civil unrest. This impacts expats’ perceptions of safety and overall well-being.
Petty Crime & Urban Issues: Reports of increased petty crime,homelessness,and public disorder in major cities are also contributing to concerns. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, traditionally popular with expats, are seeing increased scrutiny.
Healthcare Access & Costs: while not directly safety-related, the high cost and complexities of the US healthcare system create a vulnerability that adds to overall anxiety.
Economic Headwinds Impacting Expat Life
Beyond safety,expats in America are facing mounting economic challenges. The strong dollar, while beneficial for some, is creating difficulties for others.
The Cost of Living Crisis
The US cost of living has surged in recent years, especially in housing, transportation, and groceries. This is disproportionately affecting expats who might potentially be on fixed incomes or whose salaries haven’t kept pace with inflation.
Housing Affordability: Major metropolitan areas are experiencing severe housing shortages, driving up rents and home prices. This is forcing some expats to reconsider thier living arrangements.
Inflation & everyday Expenses: The rising cost of everyday goods and services is eroding purchasing power, making it harder for expats to maintain their standard of living.
Healthcare Costs: As mentioned previously, healthcare remains a significant financial burden.Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial.
Tax Implications for Foreign Nationals
The US tax system is notoriously complex, and tax obligations for expats can be particularly challenging.
Worldwide Income Taxation: The US taxes citizens and green card holders on their worldwide income, regardless of where it’s earned. This can create significant tax liabilities for expats.
Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR): Expats are required to report foreign bank accounts exceeding certain thresholds,adding to the compliance burden.
State Taxes: State income taxes further complicate the tax landscape.
Impact on expat Relocation & Retention
These combined challenges are impacting both expat relocation decisions and the retention of existing expats.
Decreased Interest in US Relocation: Some companies are reporting a decline in the number of employees willing to accept assignments in the US.
Increased Expat Departures: A growing number of expats are choosing to return to their home countries or relocate to option destinations.
Shifting Destination Preferences: Countries like Canada, Portugal, and Spain are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives for expats seeking a balance of safety, affordability, and quality of life.
Real-World Examples & Case studies
While thorough data is still emerging, anecdotal evidence paints a clear picture. For example, online expat forums are filled with discussions about rising crime rates and the challenges of affording basic necessities.Several European companies with significant US operations have reported increased difficulty attracting and retaining international talent due to these concerns. A recent survey by the american Chamber of Commerce in Germany indicated that 26% of German companies reported difficulties in filling positions in the US due to quality-of-life concerns.
Practical Tips for Expats in the USA
Despite the challenges, many expats continue to thrive in the US. Here are some practical tips:
- Prioritize Safety: Research neighborhoods carefully, invest in home security systems, and be aware of yoru surroundings.
- Financial Planning: Develop a detailed budget, explore tax planning strategies, and consider the long-term financial implications of living in the US.
- healthcare Navigation: Understand your health insurance coverage and explore options for affordable healthcare.
- Community Building: Connect with other expats and build a strong support network.
- Stay informed: Keep abreast of current events and political developments.
Resources for Expats
Seven Seas Worldwide: https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/need-help/what-is-an-expat/ – Provides details about expat life and relocation services.
internal Revenue Service (IRS): https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers – Official resource for US tax information for expats.
Expat Forums: Online communities where expats can share information and support. (e.g., InterNations,
