Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? (Pt. 8 of an 8-part series)

Reflections, Insights, and Practical Tips on Relocation Within and Outside the US in the Face of Trump 2.0

(Part 8 of an 8-part series)

In this newsletter:

• Many ask the same question: should I stay or should I go? And where can I get help to decide?

• An Excerpted Reflection on the Lure and Limits of Exile from Ruth Ben-Ghiat

• Some Thoughts and Tips for Those who are Considering Relocation

• Staying Put

• Know Your Rights – for undocumented immigrants, other immigrants

• Red city, Blue city – Red state, Blue state migration

• Reasons to Move Abroad

• Reasons Not to Move Abroad

• Key Considerations and Steps Before You Move

• Traveling While Trans

• Oh, Canada

• Financial Conservations, Retired Expats, and Social Security

·Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists”. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

The unfolding Trump-Musk-Project 2025 coup has already led to fresh attacks and rollbacks of hard-fought gains for groups who are being criminalized or watching as their rights, healthcare, and identities come under attack. The war on gender includes an ongoing move to criminalize and erase trans and nonbinary identity, eliminate gender-affirming care, and remove accessible gender bathrooms in public facilities and schools. That’s made LGBTQIA+ people feel unsafe and targeted, wondering if they should move or leave the US.

Anti-DEI policies mean an end to teaching Black history and US racism in schools, while revising American history to promote a false narrative of a post-racial nation. That’s made Black and brown Americans and other people of color feel their experiences of racism are being invalidated and some are reconsidering whether they want to live here; so are white Americans opposed to racism and white supremacy.

The anti-DEI policies spell cuts in funding for programs that help special needs kids in school, and adults living with disabilities, too. Families with kids and adults with disabilities are struggling to know if they would do better in blue communities than in red states, and if state and local policies will help overcome cuts in federal funds for programs and services that help them work and participate equally .

Women and teenage girls are watching as reproductive health access erodes and even birth control is weaponized and criminalized in states by extreme-right GOP legislators. They are reading about bills to track periods, pregnancy, and contraception access, and seeing a future that looks like The Handmaid’s Tale. Some have moved from red states enacting fuller bans on abortion to blue ones, but they also wonder what the future spells for the next generation of daughters. Meanwhile, Trump and Project 2025 want to teach the Bible instead of secular education in public schools. Should they put their children in school in another country to secure a broad education?

Photo source: Ayanna S. Nahmias

New and older immigrants, and those seeking to become citizens, face a draconian immigration policy that is criminalizing them, and even targets some naturalized citizens. For those with pending citizenship applications, and others who fear arrest and deportation, the pressure is on to find a safer place to live and build a future. But where? Canada? They can’t return to home countries where they fled civil war or gang violence, or repressive regimes where they could not find work. They feel newly unmoored and criminalized in the country that historically stood as a beacon of democracy. What should they do? Where can they go?

Meanwhile, the Trump administration and Elon Musk and tech allies are militarizing border control and domestic law enforcement and surveillance, and Trump is going after political enemies and threatening the media. Is it any wonder more Americans are considering whether to relocate? Progressive activists, organizations and journalists are braced for more crackdowns and possible IRS audits; they are watching the start of a McCarthyite witch hunt by a weaponized Trump Dept. of Justice, and efforts to defund progressive media voices by a weaponized FCC. They are committed to defending our democracy, and resisting, but they also feel worn out by the daily assaults. Some wonder if they’ll face an expat future.

Many ask the same question: should I stay or should I go? And where can I get help to decide?

Below I’ve consolidated some reflections and tips. Before I get to the checklists of questions and things to consider, I wanted to share an excerpt from a popular Substack post by the autocracy watcher Ruth Ben-Ghiat that sums up our building dilemma. I also urge you to read the full essay and subscribe to her newsletter, The Lucid:

“..Many people want to know the right time to leave, and history is full of stories of people who did not leave their countries in time to escape persecution. There are good reasons for this. Dictators are impulsive, and love “shock events,” as I refer to them in Strongmen (which has exile as a theme). What is fine today may be grounds for persecution tomorrow, and all bets are off if a state of emergency is declared.

Going into exile also requires money and other things that many individuals do not have: a job offer, the right connections, entry papers, a way to care for loved ones who cannot leave, or a place to stay in another country. Those at elite institutions or multinational/global companies might have more possibilities to move abroad than activists or politicians rooted in local contexts….

… American movements in response to autocracy may differ from those of other populations due to the strength of states’ rights here. We are likely to see internal migration instead of exile, with people leaving states where voting, reproductive, LGBTQ+ and other rights are being extinguished.

There's also a history of regional movement in search of freedom in our country that we can build on. The Jim Crow South was a regional authoritarianism in many respects. That’s why the former CEO and President of the NAACP, Cornell William Brooks, states in our 2021 Lucid interview that we might begin to see “Black Southerners who came to New York and Chicago and Detroit” as “refugees; they were fleeing terrorism. And so Black folk are the descendants of these refugees, as well as of enslaved people."

While every person contemplating exile has their own unique situation and resources, there is one constant among such departures: when you exit your homeland, you enter into a state of waiting. Waiting for things to get better; waiting for the tyrant to die or, if elections still exist, be voted out; waiting for freedom to arrive so you can return to beloved places and people….”

Some thoughts then, and tips, for those who are considering relocation:

The first piece of advice is to ask yourself why you want to leave, and examine what your assumptions are about what the alternative might be: what it would mean to stay versus relocate elsewhere, whether it’s to another city or state or overseas? It’s important to do your homework. Further below are insights and tips from others who have already traveled this path.

But first, some resources for those mulling an internal relocation, from red to blue or purple. Or those who want to stay — but feel isolated or vulnerable.

Staying Put:

First tip: seek out more community where you are. Many others are feeling as you may be. Begin by reaching out to local groups working on issues you are concerned about and identifying existing resources to support you now. You may feel isolated and withdraw to avoid exposure, especially if you’re an undocumented immigrant or student. You may not be sending your children to school, or going out for work.

Reach out to get support including legal support that is available from city and state and national groups. The National Immigration Law Center is a great starter resource, with information and resources for immigrants. The ACLU has many legal resources for different sectors. Local groups can help you consider your risks and vulnerability, and find resources, including mutual aid that may be available. There may be more help in urban than rural communities. But people across America are mobilizing to help their neighbors, too. Reach out to discover who may be there for you in your community.

Know Your Rights: Everyone has rights in America, even now, under the law and our Constitution. It's important to know your rights and what they are. Here’s an overview of basic rights for immigrants:https://www.nilc.org/resources/everyone-has-certain-basic-rights/

For Undocumented Immigrants: https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-expedited-removal-expansion/

It’s important for anyone who is considering a move to organize their documents, especially if you do need to move somewhere in a hurry. Being prepared is a step you can take as you mull your options.

Be prepared - for undocumented immigrants:

Make sure you have paper and digital copies of all your important personal and health documents (such as your birth certificate, passport, degrees, travel insurance, medical history, and vaccination card). Keep them with you at all times and on the cloud, and give copies to a trusted friend or family member. That way you’ll save time and stress if you need to provide these documents in a hurry.

Do Your Research First:

That’s the number one lesson many advise. Many expat sites can’t stress this enough but it’s also true for domestic moves, too. You may have had an amazing vacation or memory somewhere, but daily living isn’t the same. Many advise spending at least a month to three months in a place you’re considering relocating to, enough time for the initial newness and romance to be replaced by real experiences. This allows you to get to know people, experience community, research work opportunities, and make social connections, so if and when you do return, you’ll have connections to build upon to smooth your arrival. Research and reach out to local organizations and advocacy groups who have resources and community to offer so you have can begin to build yours when you relocate.

Community Is Key:

Social isolation is often a big reason many people consider living elsewhere, and that was true before Trump was re-elected. It may be a reason someone may not stay after moving, too. This big relocation lesson especially applies to older folks. Expats especially stress the importance of needing and building and finding supportive community as the most important ingredient to a happy relocation. So start by asking yourself, what kind of community do I seek? Where do I have family or friends or know people? Who might have social or professional connections to help me build that?

Reach out before you move. Planning for the community you seek is very important and will help counter the natural isolation that often occurs when we land in a new place and have to start over, especially if we’re leaving because we’ve felt forced to relocate. Colleges and universities also provide resources to find out more about the area or city you’re considering. People have taken your journey; learn from them.

Red city, blue city – red state, blue state migration

It’s become an easy way to tag a state or city or person: as a conservative or Republican (red state, MAGA red) versus a progressive or liberal or Democrat (blue state, blue Dems). In reality, many US states are shades of purple, with a lot of diversity and neighborhoods within cities. But there are definitely states where MAGA Republican governors and state legislators feel emboldened to promote right-wing policies and bills that are rolling back civil rights, including anti-LGBTQIA+ bills, book bans, restrictions on reproductive health, etc. Whether you stay or go, do your research to find out what state laws exist on the issues you care most about.

It’s true that cities led by Blue Dem governors and mayors may offer progressive policies including sanctuary policies for immigrants and upholding transgender civil rights and other LGBTQIA+ rights. That’s why we’re seeing a reported wave of relocation to blue enclaves by families of trans kids, away from states like Texas and Florida. But as many also know, there are progressives everywhere, and they are fighting to defend progressive policies and hold the line against more losses of democratic rights. Every community has a mix of people, so even if you are in a red state or city, there are blue dots of support to be found. Before you go, look anew at your area: who lives in it and is ready to support you?

Blue governors and AGs: You can learn more about what Democratic governors and Democratic Attorneys General are doing to protect residents in their states, including strengthening sanctuary laws and LGBTQIA+ protections, and leading or joining litigation to stop the Trump 2.0 Executive Orders to roll back our constitutionally protected civil rights. Consider researching community groups in cities or states that you’re considering and contact them to discuss your interest and concerns, and to ask about protections and resources for you.

Why do I want to go?

Below are some questions to ask yourself, courtesy of Go Overseas website. You can read the a post here about how to move abroad and live as an expat, and a series of questions to ask yourself here. They include the why’s and where’s of your move, what you need to have or consider to move, the financial implications, and personal questions to ask yourself about your assumptions and expectations.

As Go Overseas notes, there are also alternatives to moving abroad, especially for younger people and students, including a gap year, language study school, digital nomad work, and volunteer and internship programs.

Should I go or stay? Pros and Cons:

Reasons to Move Abroad:

The most common reason people are freshly considering moving abroad is because of their opposition to Trump and attacks by the regime, and what many view as an unprecedented chapter of US autocracy in-the-making. While they may have mulled the pros and cons of an alternative life outside the US, the trigger now is the shredding of our democracy and reversal of civil rights. They are watching the country they love being taken apart and they want no part of that. They feel uncertain and afraid, and worry about living in a country with greater hostility to progressive ideas and values. They feel targeted as progressives being criminalized for being a critic of the regime. Suddenly, Portugal and Malta and Costa Rica look that much more appealing.

Among the positive reasons are lower health care costs (a top cited reason), a lower cost of living (even in some parts of Europe), the possibility of working as a digital nomad (more visas are available in recent years), and the ability to claim Social Security while living and enjoying life and retiring abroad, with all the excitement and discovery that comes from immersion in a different culture, society, languages, and new communities. There’s the prospect and romance of travel itself, which opens us up to new experiences, and is viewed as a welcome escape from the daily onslaught of Trump’s assault on our government.

Many Americans abroad have found happy new or second or temporary homes in other countries, found friends and built community, and report they feel less stressed than their effort to keep their heads above water, financially, in the US. But few skimp on the real and unforeseen challenges that may arise, too, including foreign bureaucracies, and the time it may take to adjust to different culture and rhythms.

Some also stress that they aren’t choosing being abroad over America but want an opportunity to enrich their lives. The reasons to move abroad are myriad. Looking ahead, some note that while they seek to get away from MAGA America, there are right-wing populists on the rise in Europe and elsewhere. So it’s important to do your homework and read up on the political climate abroad , not just the great beaches or markets that you may discover on a vacation.

Reasons Not to Move Abroad:

I’ll add my reason first: to help defend our democracy here at home. We need everyone to fight the Trump coup. If you want to get away, and get a break and some needed mental space and balance, that’s an important part of self-care. But if and when you come back, and when you are here, consider being an active part of the growing broad progressive resistance to this coup.

Not everyone can travel either, for many reasons, including economic, work factors, personal, physical, or other limits, and family and community obligations. It’s a privilege for many to be able to consider leaving. Everyone should enjoy that privilege, but can’t. That’s especially true of undocumented immigrants who face new risks and threats to their stability with each move in search of a safer refuge and sense of home.

Below are some other lessons shared by an American who’s lived in Europe for over a decade as an MBA student and EU blue card holder, and is now living in the Netherlands on a DAFT visa. Note that he wrote this before Trump’s coup, and it does not reflect the unfolding attacks and criminalization of transgender individuals. These are just his broad lessons learned:

• It’s not an escape hatch: Moving abroad won’t solve personal, financial, or career issues. It often amplifies them. Remember that every country has its own challenges and people often over simplify the realities of cultures and systems different from their own when idealizing them.

• You’ll still face bureaucracy and inequality: Just because you’ve left the U.S. doesn’t mean you’ve entered paradise. The grass isn’t always greener. Differences in lifestyle and the acceptance of minorities are more common in the U.S. than most places in the world.

• Social isolation is real: It can take years to truly integrate into a new culture, make close friends, and feel “at home.” Years away from family and friends often changes relationships more than anticipated.

• Professional opportunities may shrink: Unless you’re in high-demand sectors or bring specialized skills, earning potential abroad often pales in comparison to the U.S.

Key Considerations Before Making the Leap:

1. Why are you leaving? Be honest with yourself. If it’s just to escape U.S. problems, you may find yourself disillusioned.

2. Do you have the right visa? Visas like the DAFT (Dutch American Friendship Treaty) are for entrepreneurs willing to hustle hard in a capitalist grind—it isn’t for everyone. Research carefully and evaluate yourself honestly! Most people not prepared for that fact and/or without significant pre-existing resources fail on the DAFT visa.

3. Can you adapt professionally? Many countries have different work cultures, often less fast-paced than the U.S. If your professional success thrives on American systems, openness and dynamic economy, you may struggle if you can't maintain those ties.

4. Are you financially ready? Moving abroad is expensive. Between visas, taxes, and cost of living differences, it can take a toll. Can you fund travel to the U.S. for family emergencies?

5. Are you ready for cultural differences? There will be frustrations—language barriers, cultural norms, and “how things are done” won’t align with your expectations. You are not moving into a blank slate designed to help you "live your best life". You are moving into a world that you must adapt to.

As he sums it up, Moving abroad shouldn't be about “running away”; but about running toward the right opportunity for you.”

Before you relocate abroad,

consider what you’ll need in terms of visas, work, housing, transportation and health care rules. You can a 7-item checklist here.

Check out this International Moving Checklist with staggered timelines of important preparatory steps to take well before you land in a new spot, covering things like researching schools, doctors, work visas and employment, shots, pets, and even export rules to make your landing smooth.

For Trans Travelers and Would-Be Expats: Safer relocation and safety tips

A number of rorganizations have mobilized and offer resources to support transgender and nonbinary folks to relocate abroad or to safer areas.

• Rainbow Relocation bills itself as the first LGBTQIA+ expat organization “supporting queer folks and families to move, live and thrive abroad” with an array of services. Rainbow Relocation also provides discussions of common challenges facing queer expats and links to a blog for and about LGBTQ entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote workers.

• NY-based TransLash Media has produced a helpful Trans Relocation Guide that discussions challenges and options and questions to ask yourself if you’re trans before relocation and traveling.

• The Global Trans Rights Index also provides a comparative list of the status of transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights and legislation of countries around the world, so you can assess how trans-friendly or safe your chosen dream relocation may be.

• Passports and Identity Documents: Lambda Legal provides an overview of the new Trump 2.0 Executive Orders that impact transgender individuals and travel and offers this checklist of documents you’ll need and things to consider if you’re traveling.

Here are also some Tips for flying while trans that you didn’t know you needed.

• Lambda Legal, the Transgender Law Center, the ACLU (and its state chapters) and legal aid groups in cities and states are among groups that provide legal resources to LGBTQIA+ and others targeted by Trump’s policies.

• Seasoned LGBTQIA+ activists advise queer travelers and expats to check out the resources of local LGBTQIA+ and trans centers in cities you may visit or relocate to so you feel better prepared and supported while traveling.

• InReach offers the “world’s first open source verified TLGBQ+ resource platform.”

• Trans relocation queries and demands for information have spawned trans and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs who provide services and information to help others navigate to a safer home or expat life. Among them, Jessie Drucker provides transgender and queer relocation and coaching services for those mulling a move.

Oh, Canada

Canada appeals to Americans because it’s our northern neighbor and has a history of welcoming exiles. But it’s also true that right-wing populist leaders are pushing Canada right, and progressives there are also locked in a pitched battle to stop far them from gaining more power. Check out some basics about emigrating or seeking asylum as a refugee to Canada here. You can also read about requirements and services for LGBTQIA+ immigrants and refugees to Canada here.

Financial Considerations:

It costs money to move and requires planning – including financial planning – to relocate. Luckily, the web is replete with resources, how-to’s, and tips. Here’s a guide to financially planning your move and making a Budget for A Move Abroad. It’s important to consider the Cost of Living Abroad, too.

Social Security for Retired Expats:

Right now, the rules of Social Security have not changed if you choose to live abroad: you can still get your Social Security benefits while living outside the US. Here’s what the SSA has to say about your rights and benefits: and how you receive SSA payments when living abroad. And here is the contact information for the SSA if you are outside the US.

Here are tips for Moving Your Retirement Account Overseas: including these key takeaways:

• When moving abroad permanently, it is generally true that 401(k) and IRA accounts can be maintained and managed from anywhere. However, there may be limitations and restrictions based on the type of account, the destination country, and local retirement account regulations.

• A key concern for American expats with retirement accounts is double taxation – the risk of retirement account income being taxed in both the United States and a foreign country.

• Fortunately, the US tax system offers Tax Treaties, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, and Foreign Tax Credits.

I’ll add a note that GOP legislators hope to advance legislation to end double taxation for Americans living abroad, an issue of great importance to US expats.

My Expat Taxes offers discussion and resources about issues and details related to paying your taxes and Social Security tax for American living and working abroad including discussions of Totalization Agreements of different countries and key reporting requirement for US expats. If you’re considering a move, read about what you may need to do once you land and work abroad. You can also read a primer with helpful inforgraphics here.

Health Insurance Abroad:

Luckily, many countries and cities outside the US offer excellent health services and health insurance available to expats at a fraction of the cost of these services in the US. Here’s one resource to learn more.

Building Community Abroad:

As noted above, social isolation is often listed as the make or break factor that supports happy relocation or leaves people feeling adrift in a foreign place. Going abroad means a natural level of disorientation, and often, challenges of language. You need your people. Researching where you’ll find yours is something to do in preparation for a move:

• Social Media Groups: Find LGBTQIA+ expat groups or forums on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or specialized expat websites. If you know what country you’re interested in, you may have to search for specific LGBTQIA+ groups.

• Black Expats: There are many online groups and bloggers who are moderating discussions by and for Black, brown and other travelers, especially digital nomads. You can get a preveiew at this free resource list of Black Expat online communities.

• Xpat App is an app/community focused on the Black Expat/Traveler experience. There is a sub group for LGBTQIA+ members.

• Online Expat Communities exist for LGBTQIA+ expats and LGBTQIA+ travel sites cater to them. Websites like Expatica or InterNations might have dedicated forums or groups where you can connect with others in similar situations.

Travelers with Disabilities and Disability Expats

For travelers with disabilities, the normal hurdles and inconveniences of travel are compounded, just as they may be in daily life while not traveling, and require preparatory steps to think various aspects of transport, accessibility and available accomodations. Think about picturesque Rome with its narrow, cobbled streets: they are hell for a wheelchair or someone with a walker and even a cane. There are few elevators and escalators in the Rome subway system. Travelers with disabilities must ask, are there taxis, buses, or other public transport to accommodate a wheelchair? Are there any medical requirements to get a visa?

Disability expats also have to focus on personal needs for healthcare, transportation, and social services. For example, are there physiotherapists or occupational therapists where they want to live? Will they be able to get needed medicine or equipment via a local pharmacy or supplier? What is the geographic terrain of the area they want to visit or move? Are their organizations for people living with disabilities there… any community to join? Will they be able to get needed medicine or equipment via a local pharmacy or supplier?

What about insurance? Will their disability insurance plan cover them outside the US? SSDI can be claimed by beneficiaries living outside the US, but do your homework. Anyone relocating has to deal with visa and foreign residency rules.

There are numerous online resources and websites to help you navigate these challenges. Expatsi has a 2024 guide for moving abroad with a disability or pre-existing condition and you can read about cities that do a better or worse job of welcoming and accommodating visitors and residents with disabilities.

Deaf and Visual-Challenged Travelers:

There are additional hurdles for Deaf and blind or low-vision individuals who may require specific accommodations and seek deaf-friendly amenities or those for vision-challenged individuals. They may not be able to use a phone to make a bank transaction, and may have difficulty finding text-based bank services.

There are myriad challenges when moving for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and guides have been created to support relocation. There are also helpful tools including a simple braille label maker for labeling boxes. Websites created by and for the visually impaired also detail the importance of good planning given the gamut of hurdles that may arise with a major move.

A number of travel sites have been established by and for deaf travelers, including platforms Passages Deaf Travel, Maria & Bobby’s Deaf Travel, Deaf Globtrotters, and agencies such as Hands On Travel, a deaf-owned, deaf-led international tour operator. The Deaf Traveller is a blog providing first-hand experiences. All of them offer resources, but also confirm the myriad challenges facing deaf and visually-challenged travelers and expats. Global deaf travelers advise US deaf travelers who speak American Sign Language speakers to learn a few words in a local sign language or international Sign before starting their trip to a given country.

Luckily, new sound-to-text apps can help, including Ava, that provides instant captioning and enhanced communication, RogerVoice, also a real-time caption app to read what is being said on a phone call, and Google Live Transcribe and Otter.ai — also transcribing speech into text in real time as conversations happen. For visual alerts, the Vibe app converts sound (auditory cues) into visual notifications. Finally, local Deaf community forums can provide critical info about services, resources and critically-sought community for visitors and new arrivals abroad.

Find your Expat Blue Dems:

You can still vote and be an active part of the blue progressive political life and resistance if and when you move abroad. Democrats Abroad is an expat political community that invites expat Dems to, as they put it, make good trouble.

The big picture take-home message: we all need to engage in self-care in the face of political attacks and uncertainty. Self-care is a form of resistance and travel is often part of that recipe of wellness and recovery.

Whether you stay put, move close by or further away, or take the leap to try expat life, there are myriad resources to support you to access safer relocation and a home. You have options, and you should take action now to know what are the best ones for you. The first step is to identify your concerns and name what you need and want and dream about when it comes to living in safety and community. Then start doing your homework to access that information and support.

Future expat communities of resistance?

Looking ahead, I have my own travel fantasy: I’m hoping that friends and progressives abroad will form expat communities of resistance that will welcome activists and organizers from the US and engage in solidarity resistance from abroad. We will all need R&R and a change of scenery to refuel for the fight ahead. We also face the challenge of visioning the democracy we still believe in. So I’ve put that collective movement need out to the universe.

Note: This newsletter marks the last of our 8-part series on “How Can I Protect Myself and My Money from the Trump-DOGE Coup? The full series is available at Resisting Project 2025. We invite you to share your knowledge on the preparedness and survival topics covered in the series, as well as insights or resources on relocation, and any feedback with us. We also cross-post our RP2025 newsletters in the Resistance section of our companion Resisting Project 2025 campaign website, and we keep adding resources there. So check it out for additional content. -- AC

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