Americans Concerned About Rights Under Trump’s Second Term Consider Relocating to Portugal and Spain

Following Donald Trump's re-election, some Americans, particularly concerned about racial equity and LGBTQ+ rights, are considering relocating to Europe. Portugal and Spain are popular choices due to their progressive social climates and visa options. Although the number of emigrants is small, there is a notable increase in interest, as shown by visa applications and relocation inquiries. Individuals like Doris Davis and Susie Bartlett are planning moves due to policy shifts. The trend is driven by political motivations, with Trump's administration's policies on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights being key factors.

A Personal Decision Rooted in Policy Shifts

Doris Davis, a 69-year-old educational consultant, and her wife Susie Bartlett, a retired 52-year-old, are among those preparing to leave the United States. The interracial lesbian couple from New York City had hoped for a different political outcome in 2024. “We love this country, but we don't love what it has become,” Davis told Reuters. The couple had been willing to give Trump a chance during his first term, but his return to office and the rollback of policies supporting racial equity and LGBTQ+ rights prompted them to take action.

Now working with an immigration lawyer, Davis and Bartlett are considering a move to Portugal or Spain, drawn by the southern European lifestyle and the availability of digital nomad and retirement visas. “It saddens me to move,” Davis said, “but it's also a situation, politically and socially, that is unacceptable.”

A Broader Trend, Though Still Modest in Scale

While the number of Americans actually relocating remains small in proportion to the country’s 340 million residents, the trend is measurable. Government data and interviews with relocation firms confirm a spike in interest since Trump’s re-election. According to France’s government, long-stay visa requests from Americans rose to 2,383 in the first quarter of 2025, up from 1,980 during the same period in 2024. Ireland saw a 60% increase in U.S. passport applications in January and February 2025 compared to the previous year. The UK also reported a record number of U.S. passport applications in the last quarter of 2024.

Julien Faliu, CEO of Expat.com, said his platform saw a 26% increase in inquiries from Americans over the past two years. “I’ve been talking to U.S. citizens who say: ‘If Trump is re-elected, we will be moving.’ He got re-elected, so now what are you doing?” Faliu said.

The Blaxit Movement and Identity-Driven Migration

For some, the decision to leave is deeply personal. Chrishan Wright, founder of Blaxit—a platform that helps Black Americans move abroad—moved to Portugal in 2023. Following the 2024 election, traffic to her site jumped over 50%, and paid membership in her Blaxit Global Passport community increased by 20%. “When your identity is being attacked, there is a personal sense of anger and frustration,” Wright said. “Trump returning to the White House reassured me that I had made the right decision.”

Wright acknowledges that Europe is not without its own political challenges. “We’ve seen right-wing factions start to rear their head in other countries,” she said, referencing gains by far-right parties in Germany, Italy, and France. Still, many Americans remain committed to the idea of starting anew on the continent.

Visa Options and Legal Pathways

Portugal and Spain have become particularly attractive due to their visa offerings. Digital nomad visas, retirement visas, and student visas are among the most popular options. Portugal’s Golden Visa program, which once allowed residency through real estate investment, has been curtailed due to concerns over housing affordability. Spain ended its own Golden Visa program in April 2025 for similar reasons.

Despite these changes, Portugal remains a top destination. According to a 2024 study cited by AInvest, over 1,000 U.S. citizens apply annually for Portugal’s Golden Visa, which offers a five-year path to citizenship. However, the program has also driven up property prices, leading to a 10% premium on high-end real estate.

Barriers to Relocation

Relocating abroad is not without its challenges. The platform Relocate.me notes several obstacles: difficulty securing employment, restrictions on remote work, lower average salaries in Europe, and the U.S. tax system, which taxes citizens on worldwide income. These factors can complicate the decision for those without significant financial resources or remote work flexibility.

Additionally, some European communities are pushing back against the influx of foreign residents. In cities already grappling with housing shortages and mass tourism, the arrival of more Americans is not always welcomed. “Some Europeans—already struggling to cope with mass tourism and a housing crisis—don’t relish the prospect of more foreign arrivals,” Reuters reported.

Political Climate as a Catalyst

The political motivations behind this migration trend are clear. Trump’s administration has taken a hardline stance on gender identity, stating that the U.S. would recognize only two sexes and seeking to restrict gender transition care for minors. He has also attempted to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. These policies have alarmed many in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

In Britain, the Immigration Advice Service reported a 25% increase in inquiries from Americans. Director Ono Okeregha said many clients expressed concern over the erosion of rights for same-sex couples, especially as some U.S. states consider weakening marriage protections.

A young transgender couple from Colorado, speaking anonymously, said they are seeking student visas to move to Italy. “We just feel like there’s too much at risk for her to stay there,” said Wendy Newman, a 57-year-old photographer who moved to London in 2022 and hopes her daughter will follow.

A Calculated Move for Some

For others, the decision to leave is not only ideological but also financial. AInvest reports a 1,514% increase in searches for emigration resources since 2022. While 59% of Americans support stricter border control, 1 in 20 are actively exploring relocation. Portugal’s Golden Visa remains a favored route, especially for those seeking to safeguard wealth amid U.S. political and economic volatility.

Still, the path is not always smooth. The U.S. “Gold Card” program, launched in 2025 and requiring a $5 million investment for citizenship, has seen limited uptake—only 1,000 applicants to date—highlighting the appeal of more accessible European alternatives.

References

• Trump's return has some Americans eyeing a move to Europe
• Fearful of Trump, some Americans look to make a life in Europe
• The Exodus to Europe: How Political Uncertainty is Fueling an American Exodus—and Investment Opportunities
• Why European countries are revising US travel guidance
• “Sopranos ”Star Joe Pantoliano Says He Is Looking to Move to Europe Because He Is ‘So Uncomfortable’ in the U.S.