'I fear France may not welcome Americans due to anti-Trump sentiment'
Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers advice on testing the waters before a big move
Americans were already one of the largest groups applying for first residency cards in 2024
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Dear Cynth,
Given recent political events in America, I am trying to sell my home in the US and want to live in France.
How are people in smaller French towns and villages feeling about the growing number of Americans doing the same?
Am I likely to face any anti-American sentiment considering Trump's own well-publicised xenophobia and the people who voted for it?
E.C.
In
2024, the number of first residency cards issued to Americans increased to
13,000, up 5% from the previous year.
It makes Americans the fifth-largest
recipients of new French residency cards, behind Moroccans, Algerians,
Tunisians, and Chinese nationals, so you are certainly not alone in your desire
to set up home here.
In
France, although people become frustrated with politicians, there appears to be
more of an interest in politics than in other countries.
Rather
than feel antagonistic towards ordinary Americans, I believe the French, as a
whole, feel sorry for those who do not buy into the Trump view of the world!
Therefore,
I would expect people “fleeing” Trump to receive a warm welcome.
The
general attitude appears to be a “wait and see” approach as to how Trump’s
second term is going to pan out.
Read more: Trump win spikes interest in moving to France
You
could consult other Americans who made the move and ask for their input as to
how they have been received.
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If
you are really worried, you could rent a place in France for several months and
see how you feel about it then, before you actually take the plunge and move.
You could even experiment by staying in Airbnbs in different parts of
France.
It
is going to be a major move, so it is well worth the effort of doing your
homework thoroughly.
It could be argued that sometimes small towns can be
friendlier than big cities and it will be what you make of it – if you are
positive towards other people, there is a good chance that they will be
positive in return. Bon courage!
