Introduction: An Empire in Retreat
The United States is no longer the undisputed leader of the global economy. Between falling demand for U.S. debt, self-destructive trade wars, and reckless diplomatic blunders, the country is rapidly losing its financial and geopolitical dominance.
For those paying attention, this isn’t just political noise—it’s a five-alarm warning. If you’ve ever considered emigrating or securing a second passport, now is the time to act.
You don’t need to be a US citizen living in the US to want to leave. This trade war is going to affect many countries. Most countries will be harmed. A few will survive better. But it seems likely that inflation will be severe in America and the value of the USD will fall. Furthermore, unemployment is likely to be on the rise in the short term.
So if you had a Plan B, you might have already diversified your investments and currency holdings. You might even have a second place you can call home where you won’t be as affected by inflation. Social unrest is at a recent peak in the US and it’s likely to get even worse.
The Dollar’s Decline: A Looming Crisis
For decades, the U.S. dollar (USD) reigned supreme as the world’s reserve currency. But today, that dominance is unraveling:
- Foreign investors are dumping U.S. Treasury bonds, driving up borrowing costs for the American government.
- BRICS nations (China, Russia, India, etc.) are increasingly settling trade in local currencies, bypassing the dollar. BRICS Pay is a payment system designed to bypass the current financial system dominated by the West.
- Inflation and reckless fiscal policies are eroding confidence in the USD’s long-term stability. Aggressive tax cuts combined with the impending loss of business opportunities will make it challenging for the US government to balance its books. Printing money will be more consequential when USD is no longer the world’s reserve currency.
What this means for you:
- A weaker dollar reduces your purchasing power abroad.
- If you hold assets in USD, diversifying into stronger currencies or foreign real estate could protect your wealth.
- Countries with stable currencies (Switzerland, Singapore) or commodity-backed economies (Canada, Australia) may become safer havens.
Trade Wars Backfire: Farmers and Tech Giants Pay the Price
Trump’s aggressive tariffs were supposed to “protect American jobs,” but the reality has been disastrous:
- China, the biggest buyer of U.S. agricultural goods, has slashed imports, leaving American farmers with collapsing incomes virtually overnight.
- Tech companies like Apple and Tesla, which rely on Chinese manufacturing, face supply chain chaos and stock plunges.
- American consumers are panic-buying electronics and appliances, fearing even higher prices ahead.
The emigration link: If your job or investments depend on these sectors, having a second residency or citizenship ensures you’re not trapped in a sinking ship.
Diplomatic Self-Sabotage: Alienating Allies and Enemies Alike
The Trump-Vance administration isn’t just economically reckless—it’s burning bridges with the entire world:
- Vice President J.D. Vance has openly mocked Europe, calling the continent “a museum” and dismissing its strategic importance.
- Vance also referred to the Chinese people as “peasants,” showcasing a stunning lack of diplomatic tact.
- Traditional allies (Germany, Japan, Canada) now view the U.S. as an unreliable partner, accelerating moves away from American influence.
Why this matters for you:
- A country that loses global respect also loses stability.
- If the U.S. can no longer act as the “world’s policeman,” economic and geopolitical chaos will follow.
- Smart citizens don’t wait for collapse—they secure alternatives early.
The Rise of Economic Nationalism – And Your Escape Plan
The world is shifting toward protectionism, capital controls, and closed borders. If you want mobility, you must act before doors slam shut. In fact, you should have acted maybe 5 years ago.
Citizenship & Residency Options
Research into immigration and residency options. I’ll have more detailed guides for specific countries. Some investment visas will focus more on your ability to run a business and create jobs in their country. All immigration programs will want to look at your wealth level. Hence why this website has resources on personal finance.
Keep in mind that there’s no perfect country. Things are getting worse in the US. Nothing says another country won’t get worse either. But remember that it’s an optionality. Everyone would have their own unique circumstances. Maybe your skill set would be highly in demand in another country. Or maybe you’re already so wealthy that you can already choose to live anywhere and this Trump chaos is the final push you needed.
Usually obtaining residency takes time as immigration offices could work at a snail’s pace. That’s why it’s so important to start early. Furthermore, if you’re going for full citizenship for the passport, most countries will require you to stay in their country for a minimum number of years. Know the difference between residency and citizenship.
Canadian Emigrant Take: I left Canada in 2024 and moved to my birthplace of Hong Kong. While I was living in Canada, I made sure I renewed my residency when my document was near expiry. This kept my options open. You should also keep your options open.
Financial Preparation
- Diversify asset holdings (hold at least 2 currencies, and ideally at least one major currency such as EUR, CAD, JPY, USD. Yes even if USD is worsening, you should probably still hold some)
- Move assets abroad before capital controls tighten
- Maintain credit in your home country (for flexibility)
Conclusion: The Window is Closing
The U.S. is still powerful, but the cracks are undeniable—weakening currency, diplomatic isolation, and economic self-harm.
If you’ve ever considered leaving, now is the time to:
✅ Research second residency options
✅ Diversify your assets globally
✅ Secure financial flexibility before restrictions tighten
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.