"Trump Effect" chills tourism desires, not American dreams of moving abroad, poll finds

Impact

Nearly half of Americans say they're less likely to travel overseas now than in the past thanks to the current political climate — but 15% say it's made them more likely to leave the U.S. for good, a new survey found.

Mic got an exclusive first look at the latest annual Anchor Index Survey from TransferWise, carried out in conjunction with Pollfish

The March poll of more than 2,000 Americans by the money exchange firm found that of those who said they'd part ways with the U.S., a hefty 44%, were millennials between ages 25 and 34.

"Millennials are drawn to opportunities to move abroad for a myriad of reasons: for job opportunities, personal relationships, embracing other cultures and adventures," Joe Cross, U.S. general manager of TransferWise, said in a statement. 

TransferWise

At the same time, Cross said, "They're also rejecting the current rhetoric of nativism and entrenched borders: Millennials are decidedly self-identifying as global citizens in a more connected world."

Overall, around 20% of Americans said they were likely to move abroad at some point in their lives.

About one-fifth of poll respondents said they'd leave America in search of a better quality of life. Other reasons cited as incentives: a significant other, culture and higher pay. 

Ludovic Marin/Getty Images

Every age group in the TransferWise/Pollfish study cited ties to family or a partner as a top reason they might choose to stay stateside. "Safety" and "security" were cited increasingly often among each older age group polled. 

Nearly one-quarter of Americans polled said their top relocation destination would be Canada, while just under 11% chose Australia and 10% selected the United Kingdom. 

Slightly under 4% picked Mexico.