The American dream, once a beacon of hope for immigrants, is losing its luster for the first generation of Gen Z Americans. Rising costs of living, healthcare, and student debt, coupled with a chaotic political system, have led many young Americans to leave or seriously contemplate leaving the United States. This disillusionment is fueled by a sense of hopelessness and doom, as they witness the challenges and limitations they face in achieving the quality of life they desire. This article delves into the reasons why some first-generation Americans are choosing to leave and explores their experiences and dilemmas.
The concept of “doomism” has gained popularity among Gen Z, evident in viral rants about leaving the U.S. and tutorials on acquiring dual citizenship through TikTok. It is noteworthy that young Americans are more inclined than older adults to believe there are countries that offer a better life than the U.S., according to Pew Research. The number of Americans living abroad has increased by over 1.27 million since the 1990s, a trend reflected in anecdotal accounts and official estimates by the United Nations.
For Rania Salah, a 23-year-old public health graduate, the tipping point came after facing multiple hurdles and growing disillusioned with the American dream. Applying to over 500 jobs while coping with her physical health deteriorating due to lupus, Salah realized that the opportunities and quality of life she sought were elusive in America. Her decision to move to Turkey and eventually Qatar was met with mixed emotions, simultaneously mingling exhaustion, isolation, courage, and guilt for leaving behind the home her parents had fought hard to establish.
The exodus is motivated by a myriad of factors, including soaring costs of living and healthcare, mounting student debt, and a lack of stability in the political landscape. The ever-increasing food prices and rising rent across the nation have further strained the financial viability of young Americans. In the face of such challenges, the allure of a better quality of life, safety, cleanliness, and increased opportunities in other countries becomes more enticing for the disillusioned Gen Z Americans.
While a considerable proportion of immigrants continue to see America as a top destination, some first-generation Americans face mixed experiences. Factors such as residential segregation, parental legal status, and low-income backgrounds can hinder their progress. For Michael Christian, 26, challenges arose from a lack of support during his formative years. His parents’ unfamiliarity with the college application process led him to join the Marine Corps. However, life took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia while stationed in Saudi Arabia. Faced with the difficulty of finding a job and the inability to afford the desired lifestyle, Christian plans to move to Austria and eventually Spain.
For other first-generation Americans like Maz Do, 27, leaving the U.S. is not just about escaping challenges but also about rediscovering their heritage. Do, who grew up identifying as Asian American, seeks to explore her cultural roots through a Fulbright trip to Indonesia. She acknowledges the guilt associated with leaving but finds solace in defining success on her own terms.
The turbulent political climate adds an additional impetus for some Gen Z Americans considering leaving. The recent resignation of President Joe Biden after a lackluster performance in the first presidential debate, combined with concerns about the future, has left many feeling disheartened and uncertain. The disillusionment transcends party lines, with some viewing American politics as a farce and expressing little faith in the system.
The American dream is losing its shine for the first generation of Gen Z Americans, as they grapple with rising costs, healthcare challenges, and a flawed political system. The decision to leave the U.S. or seriously consider it is not an easy one, fraught with conflicting emotions. Nonetheless, a growing number of young Americans are seeking a better quality of life and increased opportunities elsewhere. Although personal circumstances and motivations vary, the trend of Gen Z Americans leaving the U.S. raises important questions about the socio-economic factors that influence their decisions and the viability of the American dream in the current climate.