Immigration

America Is Losing Its Allure for the World's Migrants

The U.S. economy continues to outstrip the competition but takes a hit from declining immigration.

J.D. Tuccille | 4.27.2026 7:00 AM

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A plaque on the Statue of Liberty features Emma Lazarus's words urging the world to "give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." In his farewell address, then-President Ronald Reagan referred to the United States as a "shining city upon a hill" and added that in his vision, "if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here." But despite its continuing success, the U.S. is becoming a less attractive destination for people around the world. Currently-ascendant nativists want to close America's doors and turn away the huddled masses, and the message is being received loud and clear.

You are reading The Rattler from J.D. Tuccille and Reason. Get more of J.D.'s commentary on government overreach and threats to everyday liberty.

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America's Declining Allure

According to Gallup polling published last week, "15% of adults worldwide who say they would like to move permanently to another country name the U.S. as their preferred destination." That's down from 24 percent from 2007–2009 and 20 percent in 2016. "Since 2017, it has been at or below 18%."

That still puts the U.S. as the top choice on a list of options including Canada (9 percent), Germany (5 percent), Australia, Spain, France, the U.K., Japan (all 4 percent), Italy, and Saudi Arabia (3 percent). For people........

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