Dreams of coming to America

A Washington Post writer explores Gallup data on foreigners wishing to move to the United States.

The US is a popular destination among African and Latin American immigrants. Not so much among Europeans anymore: the only European nations where more than 5% of adults want to move to the United States were Great Britain and Armenia. The decline of the U.S. as a destination for Europeans could be due to the economic opportunities and mobility that have opened up within the European Union. That the United States lacks universal health care and other social benefits common in European countries is certainly a factor too.

The country with the highest percentage of adults who desire to come to the United States is Liberia, no doubt due to historical connections between the our two nations. The Liberian Republic was founded by former slaves, and incorporated American traditions many levels. Just look at Liberia's flag, currency, holidays, city names, police uniforms. The list goes on!