Why I Am Leaving the US — Part 1
Last month I applied for a French long-stay visa in order to live full-time in France. I scheduled my visa appointment in Los Angeles for the day before the election because I wasn’t sure what mayhem might ensue after that fateful day. I had hoped I’d be leaving the country in the capable hands of a strong, intelligent experienced attorney, a compassionate leader with a history of defending the rights of the American people. Instead, our next president will be an incompetent and corrupt businessman, narcissist, misogynist, convicted felon and wannabe dictator. I wouldn’t normally talk politics on my blog, but this is not a normal political time in America. Our democracy and our constitution are in jeopardy.
My heart breaks for all Americans
Many who voted for this man, as well as others, are suffering under the rising cost of living. Unfortunately, certain powers that be are exploiting their suffering for their own profit and power (read Project 2025), and have filled the media with misinformation. This can easily happen when almost half the country receives their news from one or two sources, cannot distinguish between commentary and factual news, does not look at other sources of news or investigate the facts. Unfortunately for them and for our country, they bought into the propaganda of fears and lies. Others knew all too well who they were voting for, but chose a candidate who would serve their own best interests and not the greater good of our country.
Many did not realize what tariffs are, or that they will raise the price of everyday goods and lead to increased inflation. They didn’t realize that social programs for the most vulnerable like Medicaid and food stamps are going to be on the chopping block, while the extension of the tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans could put the country another four trillion dollars in debt. Or that the very foundations of our democracy be plundered by a government run by woefully unqualified TV personalities, oligarchs and conspiracy theorists. If this information is new news for you, all I ask is that you look up the facts for yourself.
The election results are not why I am leaving the US. I made the decision to move to France months ago, but my timing couldn’t be better. I have chosen France for a variety of reasons. One of the main ones is to live in a country more aligned with my values. I’ll talk more about that next week in part two of this post.
Affecting political change from abroad and preserving democracy
Do I feel guilty for leaving at this critical time for our democracy? NO. Because even while living abroad, I can still vote. I can still volunteer to support candidates. I can still write to my state’s congressional members. I still have a voice, and I CAN impact political change.
However, I will be doing it from a country where all women have control over their own bodies and reproductive health. Where school shootings are not a common occurrence. Where healthcare for everyone is a right, not a privilege. Where people know that providing opportunities and education for everyone creates a better society for all. I know France is not a perfect country and I’m going with eyes wide open.
We cannot have a democracy without a free press
Right now, I need a break from the news and to step away from the emotional rollercoaster of hope and despair. Maybe you feel that way too, and it’s okay to take a break. At the same time, I am eternally grateful to the true journalists who are witnessing and documenting the train wreck of our democracy. When the time is right, I encourage you to tune into a variety of news sources — before they are shut down — so you can see all points of view.
We cannot have a democracy without a free press. That’s why one of the charities I support annually is the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). CPJ works tirelessly to promote press freedom worldwide and defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal. I hope you will check them out, as the threat to journalists — even in US — is real.
Receiving my visa
My visa was processed in five days, and a week later I received my passport with the visa attached. I’m thrilled to start this new chapter in my life. I want to share everything that went into preparing for this move. Not just the application for the visa, but the financial aspects, tax and estate planning, securing healthcare and so much more. Plus, all the things I need to do once I arrive in France as a full-time resident. If you are thinking of leaving the US, or spending part of each year in Europe, please subscribe and stay tuned.
To my fellow Americans wherever you may be living. Keep the faith. Keep your energy light, especially in the darkness. Keep hope, democracy and the true American dream alive. Stay involved. Take action! And enjoy the journey.
