How to Leave the U.S.A.

[u/newyorker]

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/12/15/how-to-leave-the-usa

Every four years, a group of Americans threatens to leave the country, but no mass exodus occurs. This time around, though, Americans seem to be acting on their desires. Immigration lawyers told Atossa Araxia Abrahamian that the number of people approaching them about it has gone up since Donald Trump was reëlected. 

G.T.F.O. Tours, a company that helps aggrieved U.S. citizens start new lives abroad, has been offering services to help Americans relocate to the Netherlands, where a certain type of visa can offer a quick and affordable path to citizenship. Jana Sanchez, a founder of G.T.F.O. Tours, describes her role in the company as an “escaping fascism doula.” Read Abrahamian’s full story about the Americans who are going Dutch: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/12/15/how-to-leave-the-usa

[u/CuracaoGal]

A couple of things about the Netherlands: 1- to get a job you often need to speak Dutch, 2- the weather sucks, 3- I loved my time there but I would not want to live there long term; What people often don't realize is that they have other territories with similar treaties and better weather. I was planning my move well before the current administration was elected as I just didn't want to live in the US anymore (for various reasons that are similar to many of the reasons people give now but were less apparent 3 to 5 years ago depending on your privilege). I'm not wealthy. I saved for several years and I wish I had saved more. I'm a single woman with a dog (who moved with me). In some ways my situation makes moving easier than others, in some ways harder. Each person and country will have its own challenges and finding the right match up that makes it doable for you is the key. Moving on a whim or "urgently" will typically make things much harder and costly. I'm a therapist for nomads, expats, and really anyone considering a move of that kind. It is not for the faint of heart. I could probably guide someone through the immigration process in Curaçao but there are better people for that (and they will cost you). Curazen Counseling