Record-High Searches for Emigration in the U.S
Following the U.S. presidential election on November 5th, with vote counts pointing increasingly toward Trump’s victory, many Americans began searching online for information on emigration in record numbers.
Google data in the U.S. shows that searches for "moving to New Zealand" spiked by 2,000% within 24 hours after the East Coast polls closed on November 5th. Similar searches for moving to Canada surged nearly 1,270%, and those related to Australia jumped by 820%.
As of the evening of November 6th (Eastern Time), searches on emigration to these three countries reached an all-time high, according to a Google report, though exact numbers were not disclosed.
On November 7th, New Zealand's Immigration Agency reported that 25,000 Americans visited their website for the first time, compared to 1,500 on the same day last year. Social media also saw an uptick in forums discussing emigration tips, visa applications, and job opportunities.
A supporter of Ms. Harris holds her forehead while watching election results on a big screen in San Francisco, November 5
Canadian immigration lawyers have seen a similar increase, receiving numerous inquiries even before the election. "Every 30 minutes, we get a new request," says Evan Green, senior lawyer at Green and Spiegel, Canada’s oldest immigration law firm.
However, Canadian lawyers caution that only a few Americans seeking to emigrate can actually fulfill the requirements. "Moving to Canada isn't easy, especially with the government reducing immigration quotas," notes Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Bell Alliance.
Republican candidate Donald Trump secured the U.S. presidency in the early hours of November 6th with several battleground state wins. He will return to the White House in January 2025, becoming the first U.S. president in a century to serve two non-consecutive terms.
Interest in moving abroad from the U.S. also spiked after Trump's election in 2016.
