Escape From America Continues

Anthony Freda Illustration

Bob Bauman
Lew Rockwell

The latest news reports reconfirm a continuing trend we at the Sovereign Society have observed since our founding in 1997; the most recent U.S. State Department figures for 2010 show the total number of U.S. citizens formally ending their citizenship is rising at double previous rates.

According to one web site, the 2010 figure was 1,485, but Bloomberg News lists 1,534. In both cases, the 2010 figure appears to be about double that for any year since 2003.

We at the Sovereign Society have noted sadly that each year hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens and resident aliens have left America to make a new home in other nations, even though most of them do not renounced U.S citizenship. Admittedly, that number pales against the millions clamoring to get into the U.S., legally and otherwise.

Read Full Article

RELATED ARTICLE:
5 Best Countries to Escape America's Decline

Enter your email address to subscribe to our newsletter:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Top 10 States People Are Fleeing

New York, Illinois and Louisiana are expected to lose more residents than they gain this year.

Jenna Goudreau
Forbes

"We're seeing one of the lowest mobility rates in a century," says Nathaniel Karp, chief economist for banking firm BBVA Compass. Karp says the recession has forced many people to stay put because they are unable to sell their homes, cannot find jobs or are unwilling to relocate for work if it means sacrificing a partner's stable position.

The slowdown makes the question of who's moving and why even more significant than in years past. Using 2010 projections by Moody's Economy.com, Forbes ranked the states in which people are leaving faster than they are arriving. Economists report several overlapping trends that may be forcing people out of certain states as much as they are pulling them toward others.

In Pictures: Top 10 States People Are Fleeing

At No.1 on our list, New York is expected to wave goodbye to 49,000 more people than it gains this year. The state has seen a steady loss of residents over the past five years, losing an average of 100,000 people per year. Karp explains that, because New York is a large state, it may report greater movement than others, but notes that population size is not the only reason residents are fleeing.

"In order to move, you need to be able to sell your home," says Karp. "The housing market [in New York] has not gone through the meltdown that other states have gone through."

While New York homeowners may have a slightly easier time selling their homes and moving to greener pastures, a competing trend is the number of unemployed renters who can no longer afford the high cost of living in and around New York City. Karp says the expensive lifestyle and high taxes may force the long-term unemployed to move on to more affordable regions.

The Prairie State came in at No. 2. Illinois is expected to lose 27,000 people this year, consistent with its average annual loss over the last five years. The losses are likely linked to the state's economy and tax structure. Job losses in manufacturing and industrial machinery are likely pushing people out of the state, Karp says, adding that state taxes have also been "an issue" for many residents.

Midwestern states, in fact, are well-represented in the top-10 list. Nebraska (No. 4), Kansas (No. 5) and North Dakota (No. 9) are among the many central states projected to lose residents in 2010.

Read Full Article

RELATED ARTICLE:
5 Best Countries to Escape America's Decline
10 Signs America is Becoming a Third World Country

Buy 1 Get 2 Free at Botanic Choice Buy 1 Bottle and Get 2 FREE (select items), plus Free Shipping on $25+ Expires 12/31/2010

Fresh food that lasts from eFoods Direct (Ad)

Live Superfoods It is time to Wake Up! You too, can join the "Global Political Awakening"!

Print this page

6 Countries With Freedom and Opportunity

Simon Black
Sovereign Man

Freedom, independence, and awareness are undoubtedly in decline in the western world, particularly the US.  In the last 10-days, Homeland Security has started seizing Internet domains from 'rogue' webmasters, and TSA has begun labeling dissenters of its new security procedures as domestic extremists.

It's as if the government's actions are being ripped from Atlas Shrugged and 1984... and yet the trend, at least for now, is still more government control, fake security, and reduced freedom.

Earlier this week I published a controversial article about the nature of patriotism. In the article, I suggested that when you find yourself increasingly isolated from your country's declining values, it's probably time to pack up and head somewhere else.

Many people found this idea to be cowardly and weak. Obviously I believe the opposite to be true. One of the most difficult things you could ever do is pack up your life, leave everything familiar, and head to a new world full of uncertainty.


Just about everyone reading this had ancestors who did just that. These were not cowards, they were pioneers; they were trading tyranny for opportunity, heading to a land full of bright prospects where they could carve out a life accountable for their own successes and failures.

Granted, we have it easier today than our pioneering ancestors... but leaving behind the familiarity of home is still a difficult concept for most people to commit.

It's like staying in a bad marriage or dead-end job... people do it because their paralyzing fear of the unknown is often greater than the routine misery to which they've already grown accustomed. 

Taking action requires a catalyst, and that's what we're experiencing today-- perhaps a mother who watches a government agent fondle her child, or an entrepreneur whose assets are wrongfully frozen, or a student who realizes that social security will no longer exist when she hits retirement age, etc.

One by one, people will wake up and consider their options. "Stay and fight" is just a bombastic rallying cry of the institutionalized, not a real option.  The fact is, there is no enemy, there is no fight... there is only gradual erosion of freedom and opportunity.

Unable to change what we cannot control, productive people will eventually reach a breaking point and leave. The "stay and fight" crowd who remain will congratulate themselves on their patriotism, chastise the "cowards" who have left, and resolve to go down with the mob-mentality, mafia-controlled sinking ship.

This is neither honorable nor courageous, and unless you see Davy Crockett staring back at you in the mirror, the "stay and fight" crowd should question their own actions first-- what are you doing to change things? Who exactly are you fighting?

Here's the bottom line: your country is controlled by a very small group of people, and you're not one of them.  You cannot control the  machine, you can only control where and how to invest your time. Fortunately, there are a lot of options around the world for the open-minded.

One commenter this week lamented, "Leave to where? Guatemala? Panama? What other hellhole can you name, and what do you do when you get there? Raise chickens?" as if every other country on earth is a 'hellhole' with no economic prospects for talented, creative people.

Stop listening to what Sean Hannity tells you and see for yourself, the world is full of opportunity. I've traveled to around 100 countries and done business in dozens-- some of my favorites:

Chile: the new America. Strong, independent, civilized economy, you'll think you're in Europe given how modern it is.

Singapore: Too much to say here... you need a job? They're hiring. You need capital? They're investing. You hate taxes? So do they.  Singapore is ideal for families, and obtaining residency (and citizenship) is simple.

Colombia: Forget everything you've ever heard and go see for yourself. With similar geology to Venezuela and peace at hand, the country is poised for a bonanza.

Sri Lanka: Ditto, except that the Sri Lankan government is bending over backwards to provide some of the strongest investor incentives  I've ever seen. Oh yeah, it's one of the cheapest (and most beautiful) countries in the world.

Malaysia: Peaceful, beautiful, cheap, and thriving, Malaysia will constantly surprise you and exceed your expectations for its modernness and opportunities.

Estonia: With its flat tax structure, streamlined government, and brilliant work force, Estonia provides ample opportunity for entrepreneurs, particularly those looking for entry into Europe's harmonized customs union.

I could go on-- Brazil, Indonesia, Uruguay, Tanzania, China, etc., but you get the idea. Sure, you could pick apart any country for its faults. I call these the 'yeah, buts' as in "Estonia? Yeah, but it's cold." It's not going to look like Black Friday shopping in Topeka, but the idea is freedom and opportunity, and once on the ground, you'll feel it.

In case you're geographically constrained, you can still take steps to increase your freedom. Start by moving some money to an overseas bank account, and store gold in an offshore vault-- this safeguards your wealth from government bureaucrats who could otherwise freeze or confiscate your accounts on a whim.

Also consider buying some land overseas, even if it's just a small piece.  This is a great way to move money, and it gives you a starting point if you ever need a place to go.

Remember, these options are not exclusive to the wealthy-- anyone who is willing to reject institutional programming can find opportunity overseas or start protecting what they have at home; it takes an open mind, creativity, readiness to learn new skills, and the will to act. 

RELATED ARTICLES:
10 Signs America is Becoming a Third World Country
5 Best Countries To Escape America's Decline


Fresh food that lasts from eFoods Direct (Ad)

Live Superfoods It is time to Wake Up! You too, can join the "Global Political Awakening"!

Print this page

Could Millionaires Fleeing the U.S. Cause a Wildcard Economic Event?

Cryptogon

For years, I’ve received emails from people who want to move to New Zealand. Some young, some old. Some well off, some not so well off.

Over the last month or so, three millionaires have emailed me about moving to New Zealand.

The three people who emailed me were all going to invest their way into New Zealand. In case you don’t know, millionaires can make “investments” in New Zealand to, in effect, buy different types of residence visas. New Zealand Immigration calls these “Business Visas.” Depending on the type of arrangement and the age of the applicant, between NZ$750,000 and NZ$10 million is required.

It’s one thing for me to leave the U.S., with my meager savings, boxes of books and already old clothes (not much, in other words), but what happens if large numbers these wealthy people leave the U.S., pulling millions of dollars out of U.S. banks and moving it… elsewhere?

Read Full Article

RELATED ARTICLE:
5 Best Countries to Escape America's Decline

Free Copy of The American Expat Guide

Fresh food that lasts from eFoods Direct (Ad)

Live Superfoods It is time to Wake Up! You too, can join the "Global Political Awakening"!

Print this page

5 Best Countries to Escape America's Decline

Activist Post

Okay, you're upset with the direction America is headed and you've been thinking of moving to another country. Perhaps you feel exhaustedly cynical about the political, economic, or social situation in the U.S. and think it is beyond repair. You wouldn't be alone. Many top economists and other trend forecasters are now openly predicting that a total economic, environmental, and social collapse may be imminent in America. 

Americans, young professionals and baby boomers alike, are increasingly saying that their main desire in moving out of America is to seek "political asylum" of sorts.  In the past, this political discontent was typically drawn along party lines -- where under Bush's 8 years the exodus mainly consisted of bitter Democrats, while as recently as March, Rush Limbaugh declared, half-jokingly, that he'd move to Costa Rica if "Obamacare" became law.  However, these days, more Americans have grown cynical of the system itself and have given up on left-right politics.


Many believe dropping out of the system as much as possible is the best form of protest. And now, because many people can telecommute through the Internet, it seems that living outside the U.S. is more do-able than ever. Furthermore, the lower cost of living in many other countries may actually increase the standard of living for some people.

Surely, America will rebound from it's eventual collapse, much like Russia and Argentina have, but it may make for discomforting sacrifices in America during the next decade.  More Americans are looking to "ride out the storm" elsewhere, while others desire to become permanent nomads seeking foreign opportunity and adventure.

It should be noted that no country is perfect and you'll face challenges no matter where you go. You'll find that modernization and rampant consumerism (the American way) is expanding into almost every corner of the world.  Some view this as a good thing, as more American comforts can be found, while others view it is a cultural blight to foreign lands. Your expectations must be kept realistic in that you may not find paradise, but your expat adventure may ultimately lead to a more peaceful lifestyle.

The criteria for safe haven include countries that have social stability, economic opportunity, freedom of self-expression, relative self-sufficiency, and an essential local community strength. These critical components are the foundation for living life with a greater sense of independence.

Here are our 5 best countries for Americans to escape the decline:

1.Uruguay, whose official motto is "libertad o muerte (liberty or death)", is located in South America southwest of Brazil and east of Argentina. Uruguay borders on the Atlantic Ocean and for the most part has developed infrastructure, a stable democracy, European flair, and rich culture that draw many expats to her borders. Uruguay is a constitutional democracy with one of the most developed economies in South America, with a high GDP per capita. Between the years 2007 and 2009, Uruguay was the only country in the Americas which didn't technically experience a recession and has the lowest Income Inequality and highest Quality of Life in Latin America, and second only to Canada in all the Americas.  Uruguay is rated as the least corrupt country in Latin America with its political and labour conditions being among the freest on the continent.  In 2010, Uruguay became the first nation in Latin America to test hemp cultivation, while no drugs are illegal for personal consumption.  Located entirely in the temperate zone, Uruguay provides a great growing climate.

Housing is much lower than housing in the United States, as well as health care and food. Some consumer products like cars and electronics can cost more, along with internet connection fees. Americans can buy real estate and own businesses, and they have an automatic 90-day visit to visit and explore Uruguay.  Americans only need to have a proof-of-income of $500/mth to apply for residency.

2. Costa Rica is a peaceful country in Central America, often referred to as the "Switzerland" of the Latin America due to its stable economy, political stability, and quality healthcare. Costa Rica, blessed with two beautiful coast lines (Pacific and Caribbean), is roughly the size of West Virginia and home to around 4 million people. The Central Valley's eternal springlike climate is said to be one of the best in the world allowing for year-round growing season.  Costa Rica is consistently voted one of the "Happiest and Greenest" countries in the world with about 95% of its electric production coming from renewable sources.  AARP and others have ranked it one of the best foreign retirement locations as it has all the same modern conveniences found in America and is only a 5-hour flight from New York.

Besides the price of real estate, which is comparable to the U.S., the cost of living is lower - especially in regards to property taxes, health insurance, and fresh food. Americans have an automatic 90-day visa to visit Costa Rica which could be renewed by leaving the country for 3 days before re-entering.  Non-residents can own real estate and businesses, but are not allowed to work without a work visa.  Residency requirements for retirees requires proof of income of $?

3. New Zealand might be the most isolated fully developed nation in the world. It shares no borders, sits relatively distant from any other nation, has no real national enemies, has a safe democracy and a diverse landscape with many remote places to hide away within. Located in the South Pacific with beautiful beaches, sunshine, friendly people, and the diverse landscape, it has two main islands and several smaller islands like Chatham Island and the Cook Islands. New Zealand is a developed country that ranks highly in international comparisons on many topics, including education, economic freedom, and lack of corruption.  New Zealand now ranks among the freest economies in the world with one of the least corrupt governments ranked #1 on the Global Peace Index in 2010 -- second year in a row.  The most commonly spoken language is English. Its cities also consistently rank among the world's most liveable.

The cost of living is somewhat comparable to the the United States.  Americans have an automatic 90-day visa to enter and explore the country.  Non-residents can apply for a 2-year work visa only in fields determined by immigration.

4. Iceland has a free market economy that has historically been one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world. In 2007, it was ranked as the most developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index, and the fourth most productive country per capita economy.  In 2008, Iceland's economy was devastated by the international bankers calling their foreign debt due.  However, because of pride and solidarity among the people, strong social services, a nearly self-reliant energy sector, and a manageable population (320,000), it is poised to recover once the foreign debt issues are settled. Iceland has passed legislation to establish the country as a "free speech haven" to protect journalists and their sources. This law is a huge deal as most Western countries seem to be heading toward regulating the Internet, and it has the potential to jump-start the Icelandic economy in terms of offering censorship-free servers and other services to journalists and internet businesses.  Iceland is also a peaceful country with no standing army.

Iceland will be working it's way back from financial collapse, while the U.S. still appears headed for the cliff.  Because of the shattered financial system, there are good opportunities to live on less income in Iceland now than during its peak, while all the signs seem poised for recovery. Residency has traditionally been difficult to get in Iceland and is usually done through vital employment needs, but the new push as a political safe-haven may open up the process a bit. Currently, American passports have an automatic 90-day Visa to visit Iceland.

5. Argentina has bounced back from its financial collapse in 2002 when it defaulted on international debt causing massive inflation and high unemployment.  The people said "Nunca Mas" and the government has since paid off its debt to the IMF and it now has one of the world's highest qualities of life in the world.  Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the 8th largest in the world.  It is a fully-developed country with strong agriculture production as the second-largest exporter of corn in the world -- not mention good wines and beef too.  The capital of Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of Latin America” because it feels like a European city with rich architecture and numerous sidewalk cafes.  If the arts and ambiance at a low cost of living are your thing, then Argentina may be the best bang for your buck.

The cost of living is reportedly much lower than the United States for housing, food, travel, and health care.  Americans have an automatic passport Visa of 90 days to Argentina as well.  Pensioners will need to prove a $700 per month income to qualify for residency, while others can apply if they prove a steady income of $900 per month.

RELATED ARTICLES:
10 Signs The U.S. is Becoming a Third World Country
Death of the American Dream

Fresh food that lasts from eFoods Direct (Ad)

Live Superfoods It is time to Wake Up! You too, can join the "Global Political Awakening"!

Print this page