Ask Lemmy

So, do what you need to do for your family. But I'll say this. I spent time looking into this last go round because I knew Biden was a temporary reprieve. I'm the parent of a trans kid, we did not leave the country for several reasons.

The entire western world is experiencing this dramatic rise in fascism. There's no guarantee that you will actually avoid this long term.

Many countries (especially the UK) have draconian immigration rules, see above note about fascism.

We ultimately decided to move to a blue state, from a red one, primarily for safety reasons, and made it happen over a couple years. We are far happier in this situation and are now able to help extract other loved ones from similar situations.

Again, do what you need to do for yours and your family's safety, but you're in for a tough go of it regardless of what you choose.

ETA: I went as far as interviewing for some jobs in Canada after building my immigration profile and starting the job search in NZ.

if you're planning to leave because trump got elected, then be warned. the UK has similar problems

I have not, but I've done some immigration and have general advice:

Immigration is expensive and very time consuming to get the required documents.

• Figure out how you're going to get residence, what visa you'll be on, what visa your kids will be on
• See if you have to enroll in school ahead of time
• Test the job market by applying, interviewing, and getting offers beforehand. Even if you decline them, you don't want to be surprised
• Make a spreadsheet of needed documentation for each person. Forgetting one thing can screw you up badly on the day you need it
• Do everything above, twice, to make sure you didn't screw up the first time

Imo immigration is an amazing way to live the only life you have, but make sure you put in the work to make it work. I've seen lots of immigrants give up and go back to their home country before putting in the effort to fully realize their dreams, and it's low-key sad

Damn. If it wasn't you I was gonna dunk a bit.

Like. "Get ready, because they teach kids. Also, they hold back the ones who don't pass. So they won't leave them behind so much as Keep them behind."

And, you know, I'd leave some grammar bits in there too.

I just wanna say I hope you can get clear and bring the family to safety. I worry it's harder with any pre-existing conditions - it's brutal to get into Canada with even diabetes - but I hope you can make it.

Good luck.

We moved to NZ temporarily with 8 and 5 year ollds and they had to make new friends, be away from family and only see people from back home via video calls. Luckily the school and community are nice and welcoming so they rolled with it really well.

The visa application was long and expensive (application fees, specific medicals for immigration, etc.) so that part can get immensely frustrating.

What really helped is having similar aged neighbors for the kids to play with where we can hang out with a few beers as well.

I got no helpful advice, but wishing you and your family all the best.

Take a holiday there as a family for several weeks. Get out of London and see some places. See how your family enjoy their time there. It’ll give you all some perspective.

I wish you and your family the best. It's a scary time. Love from Canada.