Protests spread across the US: should Americans look abroad?

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, carried out raids across Los Angeles, arresting at least 118 suspected undocumented immigrants by June 7th. The raids caused a large group of protesters to gather in Paramount, a suburb of Los Angeles.

What began as a localized protest rapidly escalated into a citywide demonstration, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 4,000 National Guard members and later 700 Marines to Los Angeles. To disperse the crowds, local law enforcement used rubber bullets, tear gas, and flashbangs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass objected to President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops, saying it would only escalate tensions. Newsom issued a formal request urging the Trump administration to withdraw the “unlawful deployment” of troops.

Democratic governors released a joint statement on June 8th, calling President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard “an alarming abuse of power.”

By June 9th, protests had expanded to other states, including Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, and New York City.

Karen Bass,

Mayor of Los Angeles

What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration. When you raid Home Depot and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you run armed caravans through our streets, you cause fear and you cause panic.

In the face of chaos and a growing sense of instability, more US residents are weighing the option of relocating abroad—particularly to countries offering streamlined residence permits.

Portugal D7 Visa offers a solution for retirees and individuals with passive income of at least €870 per month. Applicants also buy or rent residential property in Portugal. The visa is typically issued within 6 months. The initial residence permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional 3 years.

Portugal D7 Visa allows including in the application a spouse, children under 21, and financially dependent parents.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa is granted to remote workers who earn at least €2,762 per month. Applicants are also required to rent or purchase a property. The visa is typically issued within a minimum of 4 months. The status is valid for 3 years and can be extended for another 2 years.

Spain permits a broader range of family members to join the main applicant. This includes a spouse, children, financially dependent parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Both Portugal D7 and Spain Digital Nomad visas allow holders to visit all countries of the Schengen Area without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.