Why More Americans Are Seeking New Homes Abroad

Imagine having a gun pointed at you during a routine highway drive. For Earl Wagner, this terrifying moment in Houston, Texas, was the final push he needed to leave the U.S. →

Earl, now living in Lisbon, told CGTN Stringer that rising right-wing radicalization and pervasive gun culture convinced him to start fresh in Portugal. 'Guns are everywhere,' he said. 'It’s not the America I grew up loving.'

He’s not alone. A 2022 Gallup poll found 15% of Americans want to leave the U.S. permanently—and even more are quietly packing their bags. From safety concerns to political tensions, young professionals and families are redefining the 'American Dream'… overseas.

Could this exodus reshape global demographics? One thing’s clear: This isn’t just Earl’s story—it’s a growing trend.

Reference(s):

Finding true America: I got a gun pointed at me on a highway

cgtn.com