American Dream endures after 250 years, but faces new challenges

Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somali refugee who won a diversity visa lottery back in 2013, is finding it hard to stay positive after losing his job this year. At the same time, a recent survey from Associated Press-NORC shows that just one-third of Americans think the American Dream is still within reach, highlighting a growing sense of disillusionment.

BRIC Team

Jul 3, 2026 · 2 min read · 63 views

American Dream endures after 250 years, but faces new challenges

Key Takeaways

•Only one-third of Americans believe the American Dream is still attainable, according to a recent Associated Press-NORC survey.
•Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somali refugee, won a diversity visa lottery in 2013 but lost his job this year.
•Luke Mullen, a 24-year-old actor, is considering moving to Canada due to dwindling opportunities in Hollywood.
•For the first time last year, more Americans moved to Ireland than vice versa, indicating a shift in migration patterns.
•Research shows first-generation immigrants often maintain a more positive outlook on their prospects in America compared to native-born citizens.

As United States nears 250th birthday,American Dream's shine is fading. Many doubt the promise of prosperity for all . Recent surveys show growing disillusionment.

Take Abdi Nor Iftin . Somali refugee who won diversity visa lottery in 2013. He symbolizes hope and struggle tied to this dream. Became citizen,found success in Maine. But lost job at refugee agency this year; optimism dimmed. “American Dream is alive, but not well,” he said. Many agree .

Luke Mullen, 24-year-old actor from California,thinking of moving to Canada. Hollywood opportunities are drying up. “Wealth is consolidating here,opportunities are dwindling.” His story part of a larger trend. Many Americans are rethinking futures amid economic uncertainty.

Polling paints a grim picture. Associated Press-NORC survey found only one-third believe American Dream is still within reach. This feeling echoed in studies like Pew Research Center's, showing many think country’s best days are over . Political climate,with its divisions,complicates Dream's perception .

American Dream has changed since start,pulling in immigrants seeking better lives. Historians say Dream inspired many,but was never for everyone. Phrase took off in 1931,when historian James Truslow Adams described it as a vision of social order beyond material wealth.

For many immigrants,Dream is still a hopeful beacon. Research shows first-generation immigrants often keep positive outlook on American prospects . Elizabeth Suhay,author on American Dream,says those from poorer backgrounds see new lives as an upgrade . Mark Hugo Lopez from Pew notes immigrants are generally more optimistic about achieving Dream and brighter futures for kids.

But immigration landscape is tough now . Trump's administration tightened immigration rules, affecting programs like diversity visa lottery that helped people like Abdi. Fewer entering U.S.,more Americans leaving. Last year,more Americans moved to Ireland than the other way around. Citizenship applications in countries like UK are up.

Why the exodus? Some blame politics,others cite high healthcare costs,declining living standards. For Mullen, lack of job opportunities in acting pushes him to consider Canada,where film industry is more vibrant with government support.

American Dream,once a narrative of success,now faces scrutiny. As nation marks 250 years, lingering question: what's next for ideal that inspired so many?