While migration to the Netherlands may be down in general, one group of people continue to flock to the Netherlands in growing numbers: people originating from the US.
In fact, according to the latest data by CBS, the number of people migrating to the Netherlands from the land of the not-so-free-anymore has doubled compared to 2024.
Let’s not beat around the bush and pretend that the lack of decent healthcare has finally become enough of a reason to flee in recent years.
While the CBS sticks to numbers and doesn’t speculate on the why of it all, we can imagine a certain orange tyrant has something to do with this.
But let’s start with the numbers
According to CBS, the number of migrants of US origin arriving in the Netherlands has risen quite a bit over the last two years:
- In 2024: 1,196 people moved to the Netherlands from the US
- In 2025: This increased to 2,279 people
- In 2026: With three months of data yet to go, 2026 still beats both 2024 and 2025, with 2,780 people arriving from the US so far.
Now, what significant change occured in the US in 2025, we wonder?? 🤔
A correlation we can’t deny
Let’s call a spade a spade and hypothesise that this sudden doubling of US migration to the Netherlands likely has something to do with its current reigning dictat— I mean president.
While Trump certainly isn’t popular here, it appears that he’s also driving people out of the US and towards the Netherlands.
For example, the IND found that they were seeing more and more asylum applications from members of the LGBTQIA+ community in 2025. This group was followed by scientists, who the Netherlands also happily swept up into its arms.
READ MORE | Moving to the Netherlands from the US: The ultimate guide
In fact, in 2025, the Netherlands saw the number of US applications for a Dutch visa hit a 10-year high, with 6,700 applications in November 2025 alone.
The number of people applying for the DAFT visa in particular, has also risen sharply.
So, while the CBS isn’t straying from the numbers, it’s safe to say that we most likely have Trump’s presidency to thank for this sudden increase in US migrants.
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