Exploring the “Blaxit”: The Migration of Black Americans Abroad
For years, many African Americans have grappled with an unease about staying in the United States. Concerns about racial safety, a longing for a better work-life balance, and the hope for economic security in retirement have fueled this sentiment. This discontent has led to what is increasingly being termed the “Blaxit” or “Black Exit”—a significant trend of Black individuals and families migrating to live abroad.
The Modern Migration Trend
This modern migration is witnessing Black expatriates establishing lives in diverse nations such as Thailand, Dubai, Ghana, Portugal, South Africa, Costa Rica, and Mexico. These countries are becoming appealing destinations because their governments often make it easier for foreigners to relocate through residency permits or Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs. These programs generally allow individuals to acquire citizenship by purchasing property or making a specific investment.
Community Support and Resources
Charlotte Van Horn, CEO of Black Expats in Panama, is a prominent advocate for these transitions. Her organization facilitates cultural tours for U.S. citizens interested in relocating to countries like Panama and Colombia. During these tours, participants can engage with local professionals—lawyers, doctors, real estate agents, insurance brokers, and moving companies—to gather essential information about the relocation process. Van Horn notes, “What we do is, people are interested in getting some basic knowledge about relocation. We set up opportunities for them to speak with professionals or have breakout sessions.”
Organizations like Nomadness, Black Expats in Panama, and others are creating a supportive network for those willing to take the Blaxit leap. Outfits like the ExodUS Summit are crucial in providing resources and community backing for individuals ready to embark on this journey.
Perspectives from the Ground
Stephanie Perry, co-founder of the ExodUS Summit, shares her insights on the motivation behind these decisions. “We started it because we individually live better lives outside of the United States as Black women than we could live inside,” Perry asserts. She highlights the historical unfriendliness of the U.S. toward Black individuals, saying, “The U.S. was never designed to be a safe, welcoming, and warm place for us.”
Perry’s perspective speaks to many individuals who find that living abroad offers a better quality of life at a lower cost compared to living in America.
Emerging Legislative Threats
Despite the increasing momentum of this movement, challenges are emerging that could impact the Blaxit community. A recent development is the introduction of the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 by Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno. This bill aims to prohibit dual citizenship and would require U.S. citizens with multiple nationalities to renounce their foreign citizenship(s) within one year or face automatic revocation of their U.S. citizenship.
Moreno, who himself immigrated from Colombia as a child, argues that dual citizenship undermines national allegiance. He stated, “It’s time to end dual citizenship for good.”
Opposition and Community Responses
This legislative initiative is facing pushback from organizations like the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO). AARO President Doris L. Speer argues that U.S. law historically permits citizens to hold multiple nationalities without jeopardizing their U.S. citizenship. According to her, “Many Americans living abroad have dual nationality. AARO will advocate vigorously against the bill.”
For many in the Blaxit community, the legislation raises concerns but is not a cause for panic. Roshida Dowe, co-founder of the ExodUS Summit, explains that while the bill indeed concerns citizenship, most individuals living abroad are opting for residency rather than full citizenship. “Nothing in that bill impacts them from having the right to live in another country,” she notes.
Quality of Life Abroad
Advisors like Van Horn emphasize the importance of maintaining U.S. citizenship while also benefiting from the advantages of living abroad. When discussing destinations like Panama and Colombia, she highlights their vibrant African-descendant communities and high living standards. “Panama is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world, but you don’t need a lot of money to live well there,” she states.
She encourages prospective expatriates to research and ensure they understand the financial implications of their relocation, focusing not just on rent but on the overall cost of living to achieve their desired lifestyle.
By fostering a rich community of support and resources, the Blaxit movement continues to thrive, empowering more Black Americans to explore opportunities beyond U.S. borders.