New international survey data show fewer people worldwide are choosing the United States as their preferred destination amid shifting migration trends.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A newly released global survey indicates that while the United States remains the most sought-after destination for international migrants, interest in relocating to the country has declined to its lowest level in nearly 20 years.
According to data from Gallup, 15% of adults worldwide who expressed a desire to permanently leave their home country selected the U.S. as their preferred destination in 2025. The figure marks a significant drop from 24% recorded between 2007 and 2009 and continues a downward trend observed in recent years.
The findings are based on responses from more than 144,000 individuals across 140 countries, including data collected in China in 2023, the most recent year available from that country. Participants were asked whether they would prefer to move permanently to another country if given the opportunity, and those who said yes were asked to name their top destination.
Despite the decline, the United States continues to rank first globally, followed by Canada, which was cited by 9% of potential migrants. Other regions showed varying preferences, with countries such as Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Switzerland ranking ahead of the U.S. in certain areas.
The survey also identified regional shifts in migration preferences. In Latin America, the percentage of respondents naming the U.S. as their desired destination dropped from 33% in 2024 to 28% in 2025. Mexico saw a similar decline, with 21% of respondents expressing interest in relocating to the U.S., returning to levels seen during earlier years of the previous decade. Honduras recorded one of the most significant changes, with interest falling from 71% to 36% over the same period.
Gallup’s analysis noted that the most recent survey period coincided with broader changes in global migration patterns, including a slowdown in migration flows following post-pandemic increases.
U.S. immigration policy developments have also taken place during this period. In a December presidential proclamation, President Donald Trump outlined measures aimed at restricting entry for individuals considered potential threats to national security.
“It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security and public safety, incite hate crimes, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes,” the proclamation stated. It added that the government must “exercise extreme vigilance during the visa-issuance and immigration processes” to identify individuals who may pose risks before entry.
Separately, the State Department issued guidance warning that individuals who attempt to misuse the visa system or provide false information could face penalties, including denial of entry, deportation, or permanent ineligibility to enter the country.
Beyond destination preferences, the survey found that overall global desire to migrate has also declined. In 2025, 15% of adults worldwide said they would like to move permanently to another country, down from a peak of 16% recorded between 2021 and 2024. The decrease was most pronounced in regions such as Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, where migration interest has historically been highest.
At the same time, migration interest remains elevated in regions that typically receive migrants. In the United States and Canada, approximately 20% of adults expressed interest in moving abroad, while 21% of residents in the European Union reported similar intentions.
Within the United States, Gallup noted a shift among younger demographics. Data showed that 40% of women aged 15 to 44 said they would move permanently to another country if given the opportunity, a notable increase compared to prior years.
Gallup emphasized that the desire to migrate does not necessarily translate into actual relocation. While interest in moving abroad remains widespread—estimated at roughly 900 million people globally—the proportion selecting the United States as their preferred destination has declined, even as the country continues to rank first overall.
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