"Trump Wants to Leave the US"... This Place Saw a 400% Surge in Inquiries in One Week

Increased Interest in Investment Immigration Ahead of Trump's Second Term
Exploring Places Offering Citizenship for a Certain Investment Amount
Popular Posts on 'How to Leave the U.S.'... Also a Competition for Attraction

Following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, wealthy Democratic supporters have been exploring investment immigration options. On the 20th (local time), CNN reported that "interest in the so-called 'Golden Visa' has been increasing among Americans since the election." The Golden Visa refers to investment immigration that grants citizenship upon payment of a certain amount.

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, attended the sixth test flight of the SpaceX rocket held in Brownsville, Texas, on the 19th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to CNN, investment immigration consulting firm Henry & Partners stated, "During the week of the election, inquiries about the Golden Visa from Americans through our website surged nearly 400% compared to the previous week." Another investment immigration consulting firm, Arton Capital, also said, "The day after Trump’s victory was confirmed, inquiries were five times higher than usual," adding, "Although only a very small number actually relocate, many want a 'Plan B'." They are exploring investment immigration in preparation for any potential turmoil ahead of Trump’s second-term administration.

In fact, a report released earlier this year by Henry & Partners indicated that demand for the U.S. Golden Visa is increasing due to deepening political divisions. CNN noted, "Originally, the Golden Visa was mainly considered by wealthy individuals from emerging countries with unstable political and economic conditions such as South Africa, India, and the Philippines, but recently, demand from the U.S. has also been rising."

Among ordinary citizens as well as the wealthy, voices about emigrating abroad continue to circulate through social networking services (SNS). A video titled "Countries for Americans Who Want to Leave the U.S." uploaded on a YouTube channel surpassed 500,000 views in two weeks, and on the online community Reddit, a post titled "Immigrating After the U.S. Election Results" gained popularity.

Earlier, the Italian island of Sardinia’s Ololai town, which had launched an "immigration sales" campaign offering houses to Americans for just 1 euro (about 1,400 won), attracted attention. Facing a population decline crisis, Ololai had previously sought to attract immigrants using a similar method, but after Trump’s victory was confirmed, it went further by even launching an immigration promotion website to draw American immigrants.

Francesco Columbu, mayor of Ololai, said, "After promoting the offer of houses for 1 euro, thousands of Americans expressed their intention to relocate," adding, "The door is open to immigrants of other nationalities as well, but if Americans apply, we will process them on a 'fast track' basis."