Key facts
- Many Americans feel the 'American Dream' is fading, with only a third believing it still exists, according to an AP-NORC poll.
- The concept of the American Dream, originating from the nation's founding, has evolved to emphasize economic opportunity and social mobility.
- Immigrants, like Somali refugee Abdi Nor Iftin, often express more optimism about achieving the Dream than native-born citizens.
- Policies under President Trump have significantly curbed immigration, impacting programs like the diversity visa scheme.
- A growing number of Americans are reportedly seeking opportunities and citizenship in other countries, citing job prospects and political climate.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a pervasive sense of unease about the future and the viability of the 'American Dream' is emerging among its citizens. The promise that hard work guarantees a bright future and upward mobility, a concept dating back to the nation's founding and popularized in the 20th century, appears to be fading for many.
Interviews with individuals like Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somali refugee who arrived in the US on a diversity visa, and Luke Mullen, a young actor from California, highlight this sentiment. Iftin, who once called America a 'dreamland,' now feels the 'American Dream is alive, but not well,' having lost his job and health insurance. Mullen is planning to move to Canada due to a lack of opportunities in Hollywood, citing wealth consolidation and dwindling prospects in the US.
Surveys reflect this growing pessimism. An Associated Press-NORC poll found only a third of Americans believe the American Dream still exists, and a Pew Research Center study indicates most feel the country's best days are behind it. This sentiment is amplified by deep political polarization and partisan divides.
Historically, the American Dream has been a powerful draw for immigrants, offering a chance to create a new identity free from the rigid class systems of Europe. While the concept has always been aspirational and not universally accessible, its core tenets of social order, personal fulfillment, and economic opportunity have endured. For many immigrants, the dream is rooted in fundamental freedoms and security, a stark contrast to the hardships they may have faced in their home countries.
However, immigration policies have shifted significantly. President Trump's administration prioritized curbing immigration, impacting legal pathways like the diversity visa program. Concurrently, reports suggest a notable increase in Americans seeking opportunities abroad, with rising numbers applying for citizenship in countries like Ireland and the UK, and moving to EU member states. This trend, though not officially tracked, points to a potential reversal of the traditional narrative of America as a destination for opportunity.
For Mullen, the decision to seek opportunities in Vancouver is driven by new government tax credits that are making Canada a competitive hub for film projects. He notes a significant cost-cutting effort in Hollywood, leading to fewer projects and reduced hiring, making it harder for aspiring professionals to 'make it in America.' His recent acquisition of Canadian citizenship underscores the growing appeal of alternative locations for career advancement.