Last year, I came across a Forbes article detailing states with the highest outbound and inbound migration. Leading the list of outbound states were California, New York, and Illinois—states under Democratic leadership. In contrast, Republican-led states like Texas, Florida, and South Carolina saw the highest rates of inbound migration. I'm wondering why many people in Democratic states move to Republic states.
While this trend is influenced by numerous factors beyond politics, including high housing costs, taxes, business environment, and the cost of living, other significant contributors are declining social order and increasing crime rates, particularly in states like California. This lack of order is particularly troubling.
California, struggling with a high homeless population, drug addiction challenges, and controversial criminal justice policies like Proposition 47, has experienced a significant rise in crime rates.
Proposition 47, which reclassified certain non-violent felonies as misdemeanors, aimed to reduce the negative impacts of incarceration and save money. However, it has also contributed to increased property crimes, making law enforcement’s job and business more challenging. For example, Target closed three stores in the San Francisco and Oakland areas in 2023 due to high theft rates.
The state’s overcrowded prison system and financial constraints on expanding prison facilities have led to early release programs, exacerbating crime rates further. Consequently, several large companies, including Oracle, Charles Schwab, HP, and Tesla, have relocated to Texas, likely in search of a more business-friendly environment.
A Chinese saying, 良禽择木而栖 (Liáng qín zé mù ér qī), meaning "A wise bird chooses the right tree to nest in," reflects the idea of seeking a better and safer environment. This explains why individuals and businesses are moving from states with unfavorable conditions to those offering better opportunities and a safer environment.
Ultimately, no city or state can thrive without a secure and peaceful environment. High crime rates and social disorder can undermine economic stability and contribute to significant brain drain, much like how war can devastate a country’s economy.
By the way, on 8/27, I submitted a reminiscing article celebrating the 60th anniversary of our Tianjin Foreign Languages School, right before its deadline. It’s written in Chinese. I told some of my former classmates about it, hoping they would show some interest and would proofread it. Nah. Nope.