'American dream' shatters: Two-thirds of young adults want to leave US over the state of union

Once viewed as the destination for a better life and limitless opportunity, the United States is now losing its hold on its own young people. The promise of the American Dream is growing dim for a significant share of the nation’s youth. A new national survey shows that two-thirds of young adults have considered leaving the US, reflecting growing disillusionment with the country’s political climate, economic pressures, and overall direction. What was once a widely held promise of stability and progress is, for many, giving way to frustration and uncertainty.


American youth are gripped by stress and declining confidence
The survey, conducted by the American Psychological Association among more than 3,000 adults, found that 76 percent of Americans say the future of the country is a major source of stress. Among those aged 18 to 34, 63 percent reported seriously considering relocating abroad. The sentiment extends beyond the young and single, with 53 percent of parents also saying they have thought about leaving the country.

When asked to describe America today, the most common words selected were “corruption,” “fear,” and “division”, although 41 percent still chose “freedom,” reflecting a country caught between its founding ideals and its current reality.

Researchers say the emotional strain many young Americans feel comes from a mix of political division, social isolation, and economic uncertainty. Public life has become heavily polarised, with even simple issues turning into ideological conflict. Many young adults also report weakened support networks and increased loneliness, worsened by rising living expenses and unstable work conditions. This has created a climate where planning for the future feels uncertain.

At the same time, many believe the system is no longer fair or functioning effectively. Home ownership feels distant, wages have failed to match rising costs, and long-term financial security often appears out of reach. Confidence in institutions and political leadership has declined, and respondents say the country lacks a clear direction. As a result, young Americans are not merely seeking escape, but are considering whether another country might offer greater stability, opportunity, and the chance to build the life they no longer feel is achievable in the US.

Economic pressures deepen the strain
The economy remains one of the most significant stressors, with 75 percent of Americans saying it is a major concern. Housing costs (65 percent), work-related stress (69 percent), mass shootings (65 percent), and the rise of artificial intelligence (57 percent) were also reported as key contributors to anxiety.

A separate national poll found that three-quarters of households saw their monthly expenses rise over the past year, with many reporting increases ranging from 100 to 700 dollars per month. These pressures have compounded feelings of instability and insecurity across age groups and political affiliations.

Those who cited national division as a major stress factor were also more likely to report loneliness, with 61 percent saying they often or sometimes feel isolated.

For generations, the American dream symbolised the belief that hard work would lead to stability, progress, and belonging. The new findings suggest that many young people no longer feel that promise applies to them. Instead, they are weighing the possibility of building their futures elsewhere.

The American dream has not disappeared entirely, but for a growing number of young adults, its foundation feels increasingly fragile. Whether the country can restore confidence in that dream will shape not only individual futures, but the national identity itself.