Where should you go?

If you're thinking about leaving the United States—or preparing a lifeboat in case you need to—the first decision is where. Below is a short guide to countries that are currently friendly to U.S. citizens, have relatively stable governments, and offer clear visa paths for relocation.

This is not about fear. It's about strategy, foresight, and survival.

⚠️ Countries to Avoid

  • 🇨🇦 Canada: While historically welcoming, it now carries annexation risk due to proximity, political dependency, and resource value. It is not far enough away to be reliably safe in a Stage 3+ scenario.
  • 🇲🇽 Mexico: Despite cultural richness and strong communities, Mexico is currently heavily saturated with U.S. intelligence operations. Surveillance, extradition risk, and porous borders make it unsafe for dissidents or high-risk individuals.

✅ Safer Countries to Consider

🇵🇹 Portugal

  • Why: EU country with strong civil rights, low U.S. influence, and welcoming expat culture
  • Visa Options:
    • D7 Visa — for people with stable income (remote work, retirement, etc.)
    • Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers earning ~€3,000/month
    • Citizenship eligible after 5 years of residency

🇳🇿 New Zealand

  • Why: Independent, democratic, geographically distant, values privacy
  • Visa Options:
    • Entrepreneur Visa — if you’re starting a business
    • Skilled Migrant Visa — points-based for high-skill applicants
    • Investor Visa — for those with NZD $3M+ to invest

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

  • Why: Peaceful, decentralized power, no military, tolerant society
  • Visa Options:
    • Rentista Visa — requires $2,500/month income for 2 years
    • Investor Visa — $150K+ property or business investment
    • Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers, valid for up to 2 years

🇵🇱 Portugal-adjacent EU states (e.g., Slovenia, Estonia, Finland)

  • Why: Lower U.S. diplomatic entanglement, strong human rights protections
  • Visa Options: Vary by country, but many offer digital nomad or startup residency tracks

🛡️ Tips for Choosing Your Path

  • Look for nations with rule-of-law strength, independent foreign policy, and low surveillance density
  • Avoid countries where U.S. troops, consulates, or aid workers are deeply embedded
  • Prioritize legal residency paths that can become permanent if needed

This is not about giving up on the place you came from. It's about making sure you live long enough—and free enough—to help others find their way too.

The lifeboats are real. And they’re still boarding.

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