Survey: Millions of Pinoys want ‘American dream’

MANILA, Philippines – Despite its economic woes, the US remains to be an attractive destination for millions of Filipinos. 

A survey by international pollster Gallup showed 4 million Filipinos want to migrate to the US and live the “American dream.”

These Filipinos are not alone. Some 19 million adult Chinese also wish to move to the US permanently.

Other countries where many residents want to move to the world’s largest economy include:

• Nigeria – 13 million
• India – 10 million
• Brazil – 6 million
• Bangladesh – 6 million
• Mexico – 5 million
• Japan – 4 million
• United Kingdom – 3 million
• Kenya – 3 million
• Ghana – 3 million
• Colombia – 3 million

“The US remains the most popular destination in the world for potential migrants. This is likely because of economic opportunities in the country and the established networks of potential migrants. In addition, the US again tied with Germany in 2012 as the country with the highest leadership approval ratings in the world, but when it comes to a desired place to live permanently, no other country compares with the US,” Gallup said. 

Gallup said the results are based on aggregated telephone and face-to-face interviews with 501,366 adults, aged 15 and older, in 154 countries from 2010 to 2012. The 154 countries surveyed represent more than 98% of the world’s adult population.

Future immigrants?

The survey showed around 13% or 630 million of the world’s adults would like to leave their countries and move elsewhere permanently. 

Some 138 of these people are eyeing to migrate to the US. Some adults want to move to: 

• United Kingdom – 42 million
• Canada – 37 million
• France – 31 million
• Saudi Arabia – 29 million
• Germany – 28 million
• Australia – 26 million

“These findings are based on a rolling average of Gallup interviews with 501,366 adults in 154 countries between 2010 and 2012. The 154 countries represent more than 98% of the world’s adult population; 3% of that population would like to relocate to the US permanently,” Gallup said. – Rappler.com