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The new American dream, for some of its citizens, is to no longer live there.

Last year the U.S. experienced something that hasn’t definitively occurred since the Great Depression: More people moved out than moved in.

The Trump administration has hailed the exodus—negative net migration—as the fulfillment of its promise to ramp up deportations and restrict new visas. Beneath the stormy optics of that immigration crackdown, however, lies a less-noticed reversal: America’s own citizens are leaving in record numbers, replanting themselves and their families in lands they find more affordable and safe.

The U.S. saw 675,000 deportations and 2.2 million “self-deportations” last year, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of 15 countries providing full or partial 2025 data showed that at least 180,000 Americans joined them—a number likely to be far higher when other countries report full statistics.

Across dozens of interviews, U.S. expats described their motivations as a tangle of economic incentives, lifestyle preferences and disenchantment with the trajectory of America, citing violent crime, cost of living and turbulent politics.

Read more: https://on.wsj.com/4rDhRgK

In Navajo culture, laughter is seen as a powerful symbol of connection. The moment a baby laughs for the first time, it is believed they are choosing to join the human community. Until then, the baby is viewed as still being in transition between the spiritual and physical worlds.

This tradition, known as the A’wee Chi’deedloh ceremony, is typically observed around three months of age. Family members pay close attention during this period, eager to be the one who makes the child laugh. Whoever succeeds earns the honor of hosting the celebration, often preparing a meal of salted food and gifts to mark the occasion.

The ceremony not only celebrates the baby’s first expression of joy, but also emphasizes generosity and community. Salt is symbolically offered to guests to encourage the child to grow up to be generous and kind. It’s one of the earliest social teachings given to a Navajo child—using joy as a path toward belonging and humanity. 🎉👶