Imagine cruising down a Houston highway when suddenly – bang – a stranger points a gun at your car. This isn’t a Netflix thriller plot. It’s Earl Wagner’s real-life story that pushed him to trade Texas for Lisbon last year. 🚗➡️✈️
The Great American Exit?
A bombshell Gallup survey from November 2025 reveals 20% of Americans would permanently relocate abroad if they could. While economic factors play a role, many like Wagner cite ‘the triple threat’ driving this trend:
🗳️ Political radicalization, especially among far-right groups
💔 Eroding sense of community safety
Portugal vs. Pistols
‘In Lisbon, I don’t calculate bullet trajectories while grocery shopping,’ Wagner told CGTN Stringer. His story mirrors thousands joining #DigitalNomad communities worldwide – from Bali to Barcelona.
2026’s Global Shift
While America debates gun reforms, young professionals are voting with their passports. Could this be the year of ‘The Great Resettlement’? 🌐 Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear – the American Dream is getting some serious international competition. 💼🌴
