Migration isn’t a modern phenomenon—it’s the very story of humanity itself. From the first Homo sapiens who ventured out of Africa 70,000 years ago to today’s Americans seeking Portuguese Golden Visas, the human impulse to move, adapt, and build new lives has remained remarkably constant.
Modern Migration Waves: Continuing Humanity’s Ancient Pattern of Movement and Adaptation
The Ancient Roots of Human Movement
Our species has been on the move since its very beginning. The earliest human migrations began approximately 60,000-70,000 years ago, when our ancestors first departed Africa and began populating the globe. These early pioneers crossed into Asia, reached Australia by 45,000 years ago, and entered Europe around 40,000 years ago. By 15,000 years ago, humans had crossed into North America, eventually reaching the southernmost tip of South America.
This wasn’t simply wandering—it was purposeful adaptation. As these early migrants encountered new environments, they developed the tools, technologies, and social structures necessary for survival. Climate change, food scarcity, and the search for more favorable living conditions drove these movements, establishing a pattern that would repeat throughout human history.
The migration wasn’t a single wave but multiple dispersals over tens of thousands of years. Archaeological evidence from places like Laos shows that humans may have ventured out of Africa in earlier waves between 68,000 and 86,000 years ago, though these early migrants likely didn’t contribute genetically to modern populations.
Migration as the Engine of Civilization
Every major historical transition has been marked by significant population movements. The Migration Period (300-600 AD) saw large-scale movements that transformed Europe, as various tribes settled in former Roman territories and established new kingdoms. The Renaissance and Age of Exploration (1450-1650) represented another pivotal migration era, as Europeans ventured across oceans to establish colonies and trade networks.
The fall of Constantinople in 1453 blocked traditional trade routes and pushed Europeans to seek new paths to Asia, inadvertently leading to the “discovery” of the Americas. These voyages initiated what historians call the Columbian Exchange—a permanent exchange of people, goods, food, animals, ideas, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
During the Industrial Revolution, migration accelerated dramatically. Between 1870 and 1914, over 20 million Europeans migrated to the Americas, driven by economic opportunity and escaping poverty or persecution. This period saw the establishment of Ellis Island in 1892, which would process over 12 million immigrants by its closure in 1954. Approximately 40% of Americans today may be descended from immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.
The American Migration Tradition
The United States has always been shaped by migration waves. The Great Migration (1910-1970) saw approximately 6 million Africans move from the South to Northern, Midwestern, and Western states, fundamentally reshaping the demographic landscape. Post-1965 immigration reforms eliminated discriminatory national origin quotas, leading to increased immigration from Latin America and Asia.
Today, 47.8 million immigrants reside in the United States, representing 14.3% of the population—close to the historical peak of 14.8% reached in 1890. This includes both naturalized citizens and those on various visa statuses, with immigration accounting for the entire growth of the total U.S. population between 2022 and 2023.
The Modern American Exodus: Portugal as the New Destination
In a fascinating reversal of historical patterns, Americans are now among the world’s migrants. Over 8 million Americans live abroad as of 2024, and surveys suggest that nearly 20% of U.S. citizens are contemplating emigration due to various factors including political climate, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences.
Portugal has emerged as a particularly attractive destination for American expats. The number of Americans residing in Portugal grew by 239% between 2017 and 2022, reaching nearly 10,000 individuals, and has since increased to 14,000 Americans living in Portugal by 2024.
The Portuguese Golden Visa: A Modern Migration Tool
Portugal’s Golden Visa program has become a primary pathway for American investment migration. In 2023, Americans led all nationalities in Golden Visa applications with 567 permits issued—a remarkable shift from historical patterns where Chinese nationals dominated the program.
The Golden Visa program has issued over 15,600 residence permits to main applicants and 22,000 family members since its inception in 2012, attracting over €7.3 billion in investments. Despite the elimination of real estate investment options in 2023, the program continues to thrive through alternative investment routes including:
- Investment funds (minimum €500,000)
- Cultural heritage projects
- Scientific research funding
- Job creation initiatives
In 2024, Portugal issued a record 4,987 Golden Visas, marking a 72% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the program’s continued appeal. The surge comes as Spain eliminated its Golden Visa program, making Portugal’s offering even more attractive to international investors.
The Parallels Across Time
The motivations driving today’s American migration to Portugal echo those of historical migrations: the search for better economic opportunities, political stability, higher quality of life, and favorable living conditions. Just as ancient humans adapted to new environments with innovative tools and social structures, modern American migrants utilize contemporary tools like investment visas, digital banking, and remote work capabilities.
Portugal offers modern migrants what historical destinations offered their predecessors: safety (ranked 7th in the Global Peace Index 2024), affordable living costs (about one-third of U.S. costs), excellent healthcare, and a welcoming culture. The country’s EU membership provides access to 27 European nations, creating opportunities for mobility that mirror the expansive possibilities that drew migrants to Ellis Island over a century ago.
The Enduring Human Story
What we’re witnessing today with American migration to Portugal, facilitated by programs like the Golden Visa, is simply the latest chapter in humanity’s eternal story of movement and adaptation. From the first Homo sapiens who crossed out of Africa to the Americans now crossing the Atlantic for Portuguese residence, the fundamental human drive remains unchanged: the pursuit of better opportunities, security, and quality of life for ourselves and our families.
This continuity across millennia suggests that migration isn’t just a policy challenge or economic phenomenon—it’s a fundamental aspect of human nature. As we navigate modern discussions about global mobility, investment migration, and citizenship programs, we might do well to remember that we are all descendants of migrants, participants in an ancient human tradition of movement, adaptation, and renewal.
The Portuguese Golden Visa represents not just an investment opportunity, but a continuation of humanity’s oldest tradition: the courage to cross borders in pursuit of a better future. In this light, today’s American applicants are following paths first blazed by our earliest ancestors—paths that have, quite literally, made us who we are as a species.
Nathan Hellman
Director of Business Development
[email protected]