The US has recorded its first net negative migration in over half a century in 2025, with more people leaving than arriving, according to US immigration data.

Commentators in the US say economic pressures, political tensions, and lifestyle considerations are driving a growing number of Americans to relocate abroad, from Europe to Latin America and Asia.

The data shows that in 2025, the US experienced a net international migration loss of roughly 150,000 people, marking the first such decline in 50 years.

Immigration fell from nearly six million in 2023 to less than 2.7 million in 2025, while deportations and voluntary departures surged.

US Census Bureau projections suggest net migration could drop to about 321,000 in 2026 if current trends persist, driven by both reduced arrivals and increased emigration.

Economic pressures and a tense political climate are said to be pushing more Americans to move abroad.

“Rising costs of living, political tensions, and dissatisfaction with domestic conditions are prompting more Americans to move overseas,” said Washington based migration expert Dr Ian Reece.

“Popular destinations include Portugal, Ireland, Mexico, and parts of Asia, offering lower healthcare costs, affordable housing, and lifestyle benefits,” Dr Reece said.

Recent polls show as many as one in five Americans would consider relocating abroad, double the rate during the 2008 recession.

Healthcare workers are leading an exodus to Canada, new data shows.

Since April 2025, British Columbia has approved licenses for 1,028 US-trained nurses, compared to just 112 in 2023.

Many cite fears over President Trump’s policies, reduced public health funding, and reclassification of nursing degrees as reasons for leaving.

Canada has responded with streamlined licensing and targeted recruitment campaigns, while nurses describe relief and safety in their new environment.

A rising number of wealthy Americans are thinking of leaving the country as Donald Trump’s second presidency enters its second year, according to another new survey.

Arton Capital, a Canadian company that helps its clients find second residencies and citizenship overseas, surveyed 1,000 people with a net worth of at least $US1 million.

The survey asked if they were “more or less likely to leave the USA than you were before the election.”

Eighteen per cent said much more likely; 15 per cent more likely; and 34 per cent “not sure/neither more nor less likely”.

Democrat-leaning millionaires felt much more strongly about the prospect of leaving the US, with more than half (52 per cent) of Kamala Harris voters reporting an interest in moving as compared to 15 per cent of Trump voters.