For Varied Reasons, 4 Million Americans Call Some Other Country Home

[kskiska]

More Americans than ever before have decided that America is no longer their home.

They've put down roots abroad, from Cuba (an estimated 2,000 Americans, the latest figures show) to the United Kingdom (224,000). They're in Germany (210,880), in the Philippines (105,000), in Israel (184,195).

If they were a U.S. state - call it Expatria - its population, some 4 million Americans, would place it right in the middle, along with Kentucky and South Carolina.

Expatriates, citizens of this floating, far-flung state, are changing the very definition of "American."

"What does nationality really mean in these days, in these times of great mobility, at a time when there is an opportunity to make one's way in a society without really any serious impediments?" asks Tom Rose, a 68-year-old retired businessman who has spent all but a few years abroad since 1961, most of them in Paris.

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[smirkymonkey]

1. I am in the process of applying for dual citizenship with Italy

although I probably would end up living somewhere else in the EU. I love Italy, but I would rather live in one of the more liberal northern European countries.

[halobeam]

2. hubs and I may make that 4 million and two...

oops almost forgot the kids! make that four. (jk)..

we are quite troubled as to whether we should improve our home, and sit this out for the long haul, or take what VERY little we have, and kiss this place goodbye. I feel we would be giving our kids a better chance at a better life, somewhere that is closer to what America used to be. As I say lately, I'm living in a foreign land, without having had to get off the couch.

[sweetheart]

3. Well "some other country" IS home

The US is a foreign country, with evil aliens at the helm, as much as
it is the nation of my birth. The UK government speaks much more for
my political feelings than any wanker in washington DC. Indeed, even
politically, the UK is more home than the USA ever was or is.

[Demeter]

4. In The 70's The Big Story Was the Polish-Americans

who retired and returned to the motherland, taking their hard-currency social security payments with them. No doubt a lot of the changes that transformed Poland came from this micro-economy infusion.

I wish I could return to my motherland--that would require a time-machine (or a magic smiting stick).

[sam sarrha]

5. cant be true, with 17 Million Mexican Migrants OR MORE..

if they are migrating then they should leave every fall.. But they aint go'n home. and it is a good thing that 17 millio Mexicans are not taking our jobs or causing housing shortages raising rents.

[NinetySix]

6. I immigrated to Canada in 2000

Not because of Bush; just a happy coincidence. Oh, and I wouldn't live in the US right now even if I were PAID to (like Armstrong Williams, et al).

[DELUSIONAL]

7. My husband and I are leaving -- very soon

I already spend 6 months outside of the US every year.

The more I learn about the proposed changes I see no reason to return once we leave. Thankfully we don't have children.

I prefer the International community found in many areas of the world. It's amazing to me how many US citizen have never been outside of the US and don't realize that the world DOES NOT revolve around the US. But then what's worse is the dumb Americans who travel abroad and get pissed when local comedians make fun of bushie. At one local event some expats got up and left after one especially funny comedic portrayal of bushie. ANY bushie fan, traveling abroad has got to develop a very thick skin because bushie is the most hated man in the world (if not the universe). Bushie is so god damned ignorant about the rest of the world that he is an easy target for comedians.

Perhaps the phrase "Ugly American" was coined too soon -- because the bushie loving US tourists are certainly suffering from this disease.

These same expats were not defensive about the jokes made about Clinton.

[radwriter0555]

8. My daughter, age 12, and I are leaving in June. The house is on the market

and we're moving to Cannes, France, to set up a business there. She's already registered in the school, and so on.

It can't come soon enough for me. This nation under bush terrifies me to the depths of my soul, because I see what's coming and it's pretty horrible.

I can't say I've met other Americans in my travels with whom I've been impressed though. The last couple we met whilst in Mexico last month were from MinneSOta and were red staters through and through. In a casual conversation I had the pleasure of totally freaking them out; I was telling them that we were moving to France, and they asked why; I said "Because we're liberal democrats and we hate george bush. We don't want to be here for the horrors that are coming under his nazi-esque regime..."

They about shit their pants and started stuttering and stammering. Then saw some friends of theirs and ignored us from then on out. It was WONDERFUL.

[DELUSIONAL]

9. The Ugly American -- they stick out like a sore thumb

We already have a house (inherited) outside of the US. It needs fixing up -- and that's my job.

I don't know what the numbers are of people taking early retirements or just leaving the US because of the impending doom we see spreading from the white house.

Some people say to stay and fight -- why? When the vote can be stolen and most people don't seem to give a damn -- why stay. Just get out and watch the US implode. Fighting is for the next generation -- I've done my shift.

The US was at one time an innovative, can-do nation. The US should be leading in alternative energy research. But science has been perverted by the goons in the white house -- for me this is the unpardonable sin for which I cannot forgive the idiots of the religious right. Sure they want all the technology and gadgets and newest cars & computers but at the same time they reject the science and innovation involved in the gadgets. Schools are being perverted . . .

And then the Ugly Americans who do travel abroad in their protective cocoons -- they are so defensive about their emperor. And always these fools have the nerve to make nasty remarks about Clinton -- the GOP wing nuts spent millions of $$$ and the only crime they could impeach Clinton for was a blow job. Which means Clinton ran a darn clean presidency and he can prove it with a multi-million $$ background check.

[MADem]

10. I am buying up in Canada, in Prince Edward Island

...come the fall. Anyone with info on the place (anecdotes, tips, whatever--please visit my thread, see link below in my tag line) and tell me your experiences...nothing is too inconsequential!

I've looked into dual citizenship, and think I am a good candidate. I'm not a criminal, and have a steady income. I won't break ties entirely, but I think it is sensible to have a way out, in these troubled times, if one possibly can. Also, I have a great deal of respect for Canada and Canadians (and even have a few Canadian ancestors, as well!).

Edit, dumbass spelling error!

[cliss]

11. Here are 4 more.....

I got a Swedish citizenship for my 3 teen-age boys. I was terrified of having them go to Iraq. Over my dead body would they take those 3.

We have our options open. A draft will speed up our plans.

[JCMach1]

12. For me, the nation state formerly known as America

is dead. I would hesitate to even go back if it wasn't for family who are stuck there.

I won't be moving back any time in the forseeable future.

And yes, the opportunites in the UAE are incredible!

[clyrc]

14. I love it here in the UAE, but I have mixed feelings

It isn't the ideal country by far, but it is very nice for us. Having two kids who I want to grow up expats, for various reasons, has made me consider many things I wouldn't have thought of if we were still in the states. I have to accept that they will be expats more than they will be Americans, if we live here a long time. What to teach them about their country of origin? I try not to be so bitter about the present that I don't teach them the good things about America.

[Extend a Hand]

13. we haven't decided for sure what do to

but we are gettng our house ready to sell and plan to have it on the market early next spring. We were planning to build a solar house-- but if a draft seems imminent we want to be in a position to move our family. Sad isn't it?

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

15. I'm in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship

through my husband.

We have a house in Ireland that is bought and paid for and since November, 2004 is sitting empty.

I'm going "home" on May 11th for a dear friend's wedding and to get a suitable tenant (temporarily) for our home.

Mr. Wonderful and myself have had many long discussions about the state of the USA and we have decided to wait until after the next Congressional elections in 2006 to make any decision.

Mr. Wonderful emigrated to Chicago in 1979 to get away from hatred and bigotry. He became an American citizen in June 1999 and cast his first vote in November 2000 only to see it stolen away and to see another election in November 2004 end up the same way.

Enough is enough. We both love this country but we believe the USA has lost its way and the fact that the corporate media refuses to tell the American people the truth has both of us completely disgusted.

I promised my father, who is now deceased, before I married that I would never give up my faith in the USA.

I thank God that my beloved father can't see what is happening in the country that he defended in WWII. I know, without one doubt, he would be totally disgusted.

Can you imagine if LBJ in 1958 or 1959 had done what Bill Frist is going to do later this morning. He would have been toast from that point on.

But somehow, the pundits and most of the clueless Americans that live in our country will just shrug this off and say "who cares".

I don't want to leave my country, but unfortunately I'm thinking more and more lately, I have no other choice.

[cire4]

16. Expect that number to keep rising....

More and more people are finding out that the rational thing to do is to start a new life in a new country....