How many Americans live abroad?
Overall, it is estimated around 9.4 million Americans live outside the United States. Here are the best current estimates by destination country:
- Mexico 1,500,000
- Canada 1,000,000
- India 1,000,000
- Philippines 220,000/300,000–600,000
- Israel and Palestine 600,000
- Germany 324,000
- France 150,000–200,000
- United Kingdom 139,000–197,143
- Costa Rica 130,000
- South Korea 120,000–158,000
- China 110,000
- Australia 101,309
- Hong Kong 85,000
- Saudi Arabia 80,000
- Brazil 70,000
- Japan 59,172-153,389
- Pakistan 52,486
- Italy 50,000–54,000
- United Arab Emirates 50,000
- Haiti 45,000
- Spain 41,742 (2022)
- Argentina 37,000
- Norway 33,509
- Singapore 30,000+
- Bahamas 30,000
- Lebanon 25,000
- Panama 25,000
- Dominican Republic 24,457
- New Zealand 21,462
- Colombia 21,000
- El Salvador 19,000
- Ireland 17,552 (2017)
- Honduras 15,000
- Taiwan 13,262
- Chile 12,000
- Austria 10,175
- Portugal 9,794
- Bermuda 8,000
- Kuwait 8,000
- Guatemala 6,345
- Nicaragua 4,000
- Ghana 3,000 – 5,000
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Why do some Americans choose to emigrate?
Americans choose to emigrate for a variety of reasons, often influenced by personal, economic, social, and political factors. Here are some common motivations:
Economic Opportunities
- Job Opportunities: Seeking better employment prospects or higher wages in another country.
- Cost of Living: Moving to a place with a lower cost of living can improve overall quality of life.
- Retirement: Retirees might choose countries where their retirement savings can stretch further.
Quality of Life
- Healthcare: Access to more affordable or higher quality healthcare can be a strong motivator.
- Education: Pursuing higher education opportunities or enrolling children in better schools.
- Climate: Preference for a different climate, such as warmer weather or less pollution.
Social and Family Reasons
- Family Reunification: Joining family members who are already living abroad.
- Marriage: Moving to be with a spouse or partner who resides in another country.
- Cultural Experience: Desire for a change in cultural experience or lifestyle.
Political and Social Factors
- Political Climate: Discontent with the current political environment or government policies in the U.S.
- Social Environment: Seeking a society with values more aligned with their own, such as attitudes toward social issues or crime rates.
Adventure and Personal Growth
- Travel and Exploration: Desire to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures.
- Personal Development: Gaining new perspectives and experiences that come with living abroad.
Work-Related Reasons
- International Assignments: Job transfers or assignments by multinational companies.
- Remote Work: The increasing ability to work remotely allows people to live in different countries while maintaining their jobs in the U.S.
Safety and Security
- Safety Concerns: Perceptions of greater safety and security in another country.
Legal and Tax Considerations
- Tax Benefits: Seeking favorable tax conditions or avoiding certain taxes.
Specific Examples
- Canada: Proximity to the U.S., similar cultural and language background, and attractive healthcare system.
- Mexico: Lower cost of living and vibrant expatriate communities.
- European Countries: Quality of life, historical and cultural richness, and robust social welfare systems.
What barriers exist to stop Americans moving abroad?
While many Americans may be motivated to move abroad, there are several barriers that can complicate or prevent emigration. These barriers can be legal, financial, social, and practical in nature:
Legal Barriers
- Visa and Residency Requirements: Securing a visa or residency permit can be a complex and time-consuming process. Requirements vary greatly between countries and often include proof of employment, financial stability, or family connections.
- Work Permits: Gaining the right to work in a foreign country often requires separate permits and can be difficult, especially in countries with strict labor market regulations.
- Citizenship Laws: Some countries have restrictive citizenship laws that make it difficult to gain permanent residency or citizenship.
Financial Barriers
- Cost of Moving: The expenses involved in relocating, such as shipping personal belongings, travel costs, and initial living expenses, can be prohibitive.
- Cost of Living: In some desirable destinations, the cost of living can be significantly higher than in the U.S., which may offset perceived economic benefits.
- Financial Requirements: Many countries require proof of sufficient funds or income to support oneself without relying on local social services.
Social and Cultural Barriers
- Language Barriers: Moving to a country where the primary language is different can be a significant hurdle, impacting daily life, work, and social integration.
- Cultural Differences: Adapting to different cultural norms and social practices can be challenging and may lead to feelings of isolation or culture shock.
Practical Barriers
- Employment: Finding a job abroad can be difficult, particularly if one’s qualifications or experience are not recognized or valued in the new country.
- Healthcare: Access to and the cost of healthcare in a foreign country can be a major concern, especially for those with ongoing medical needs.
- Education: Ensuring that children receive a quality education in a different system can be challenging, and international or private schools can be expensive.
Personal Barriers
- Family and Social Ties: Leaving behind family and friends can be emotionally difficult and may deter people from moving.
- Comfort Zone: The prospect of starting over in an unfamiliar place can be daunting and may discourage potential movers.
- Age and Health: Older individuals or those with health issues may find the physical and logistical challenges of moving abroad particularly difficult.
Legal and Administrative Barriers
- Taxation: Americans living abroad are still subject to U.S. taxes, and navigating the tax requirements of both the U.S. and the host country can be complex and burdensome.
- Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Dealing with the bureaucracy of a new country, including navigating its legal system and understanding its regulations, can be a major challenge.
Political and Security Barriers
- Political Stability: Concerns about the political stability of the destination country can deter migration.
- Safety and Security: Issues related to personal safety, such as higher crime rates or the threat of terrorism, can also be significant barriers.
Regulatory Barriers
- Property Ownership Laws: Some countries have restrictive laws regarding property ownership by foreigners, which can complicate plans to buy a home abroad.
- Banking and Financial Services: Setting up banking and managing finances in a new country can be complex and may involve navigating different regulations and systems.
History of Americans Moving Overseas
The history of the American diaspora, or the movement of Americans to live abroad, spans several centuries and reflects various economic, social, political, and cultural motivations. Here is an overview of significant periods and trends in this history:
Colonial and Early Independence Era
- Colonial Expansion: In the 17th and 18th centuries, some Americans moved abroad as part of colonial expansion efforts, particularly to the Caribbean and other parts of the British Empire.
- Post-Independence: After gaining independence, Americans began exploring opportunities abroad, often related to trade, diplomacy, and missionary work.
19th Century
- Gold Rush and Economic Migration: In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush attracted not only international immigrants to the U.S. but also inspired some Americans to seek similar opportunities in other parts of the world, such as the Australian gold rushes.
- Missionary and Diplomatic Efforts: The 19th century saw a significant number of American missionaries and diplomats spreading out across the globe, particularly to Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Early 20th Century
- Cultural and Artistic Movements: The early 20th century saw a wave of American artists, writers, and intellectuals moving to Europe, particularly Paris, in search of a vibrant cultural scene. This period, often referred to as the “Lost Generation,” included figures like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- Expatriate Communities: Growing expatriate communities in places like Mexico City and other parts of Latin America attracted Americans seeking different cultural experiences and economic opportunities.
Post-World War II Era
- Military and Government Employees: After World War II, many Americans lived abroad due to military service and government employment, particularly in countries where the U.S. had a significant military presence, such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
- Corporate Expansion: The post-war era also saw American corporations expanding globally, sending employees to manage operations and establish new markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Late 20th Century
- Retirement Destinations: By the latter part of the 20th century, an increasing number of Americans began retiring abroad, attracted by lower costs of living and favorable climates in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama.
- Educational and Professional Opportunities: More Americans moved abroad for higher education and professional opportunities, often to Europe and Asia, contributing to a more mobile and global workforce.
21st Century
- Globalization and Technology: The rise of globalization and advancements in technology facilitated greater mobility. More Americans took advantage of remote work opportunities and moved to countries with favorable living conditions and work-life balance.
- Political and Social Factors: Increasingly, political and social factors, such as dissatisfaction with domestic policies or social issues, have motivated some Americans to seek new lives abroad.
- Healthcare and Quality of Life: Access to affordable healthcare and a higher quality of life have become significant factors for many Americans choosing to emigrate.
- Diverse Destinations: The American diaspora has spread to a diverse range of countries, including traditional destinations in Europe and Latin America, as well as emerging hotspots in Asia and Africa.
Notable Expatriate Communities
- Mexico: Attracts a significant number of American retirees and remote workers due to its proximity, lower cost of living, and vibrant culture.
- Canada: Draws Americans for its quality of life, healthcare system, and political stability.
- Europe: Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain continue to attract Americans for work, study, and cultural experiences.
- Asia: Nations such as Japan, China, and South Korea have become popular for their economic opportunities and unique cultural experiences.
Do the children of American citizens born overseas still get US citizenship?
Yes, the children of American citizens born overseas can still obtain U.S. citizenship, but certain conditions must be met.
The specific requirements depend on whether one or both parents are U.S. citizens and whether the parents are married.
Here is a general overview:
Children Born Abroad to Two U.S. Citizen Parents
- Both parents are U.S. citizens: If both parents are U.S. citizens and at least one of them has lived in the United States at some point in their lives, the child is automatically a U.S. citizen at birth.
Children Born Abroad to One U.S. Citizen Parent and One Non-Citizen Parent
- Married Parents: If the parents are married and one parent is a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the United States for at least five years before the child’s birth, at least two of which were after the age of 14.
- Unmarried Parents:
- U.S. Citizen Mother: If the mother is a U.S. citizen, she must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one continuous year before the child’s birth.
- U.S. Citizen Father: If the father is a U.S. citizen, he must meet the same physical presence requirements as married parents (five years, two after age 14), and there must be a formal acknowledgment of paternity, financial support agreement, and proof that the child is legitimated before the age of 18.
Children Born Abroad to Unmarried U.S. Citizen Parents
- U.S. Citizen Mother: The mother must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one continuous year before the child’s birth.
- U.S. Citizen Father: The father must meet the same requirements as for married parents and there must be clear evidence of paternity and an agreement to provide financial support.
Application Process
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA): Parents should report the birth to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), which serves as proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship.
- Documentation: Parents will need to provide proof of their citizenship, the child’s birth, and evidence of their physical presence in the U.S. as required.
Special Cases
- Military and Government Employees: Time spent abroad by U.S. citizen parents who are military or government employees, or their dependents, may count towards the physical presence requirements under certain conditions.
These rules are set by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and can be subject to changes. It’s always advisable to consult the U.S. embassy or consulate for the most current information and guidance specific to individual circumstances.
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