Has gun violence in the US deterred the dreams of expats?

Gun violence is a pervasive issue in the United States that has received significant attention in recent years. It may sometimes seem that Americans have become desensitized to gun violence due to its frequency. However, expats and international students considering studying in the US may have different perspectives.

Gun violence in the United States: Statistics

PewResearch.org conducted a detailed report on gun violence in the US in 2020. The results of their findings are presented below:

• In 2020, according to the CDC, 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries in the US.
• 54% of all gun-related deaths in the United States were suicides, and 43% were murders.
• There were 535 unintentional gun deaths, 611 deaths that involved law enforcement — and 400 deaths that happened under undetermined circumstances.
• Nearly 79% of all murders in the United States in 2020 involved a firearm.
• The number of gun-related deaths in 2020 was the highest on record — a 14% increase from the previous year and a 25% increase from five years before.

Looking at these numbers side by side can definitely paint an alarming picture. And expats considering moving to the United States often have questions about the gun legislation in the United States and if anything is being done to address the gun violence situation in the country.

Gun laws in the United States

The gun laws in the United States are substantially different from those in many other countries — and especially in Europe.

Here is the key legislation that defines gun ownership in the United States:

• The Second Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right of Americans to own guns.
• The National Firearms Act of 1934 regulates the sale and ownership of machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors, among other firearms.
• The Gun Control Act of 1968 regulates the sale and ownership of firearms, including background checks for firearms purchases from federally licensed dealers and restrictions on certain categories of individuals, such as felons, domestic abusers, and the mentally ill, from owning firearms.
• The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 established a system for background checks on individuals purchasing firearms from federally licensed dealers, known as the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Many states have additional gun laws that regulate the sale, ownership, and use of firearms. These laws can vary widely from state to state and may include restrictions on certain types of firearms, waiting periods for firearm purchases, and requirements for firearm registration and licensing.

It is worth noting that gun control is a highly debated and divisive issue in the United States, and the laws and regulations regarding firearms are subject to ongoing debate and discussion among lawmakers and society as a whole.

Why America's gun culture is scary for expats 

European expats may feel scared about moving to the United States due to the country's existing gun laws.

In most European countries, guns are heavily regulated, and the idea of owning a firearm is not as prevalent as in the United States. Thus, the notion of being in a society where guns are widely accessible and commonplace can be unsettling for European expats.

In some Southeast Asian countries, gun ownership is also strictly controlled, and guns are generally only carried by special police forces and the military. Thus, adjusting to a reality where guns are widely accepted as personal possessions is often difficult for expats from countries with strict gun regulations.

Moreover, some American citizens who have lived abroad for a period of time often name their concerns about gun violence as one of the main reasons for living abroad. Frank Pierce spent over 10 years teaching American History in China and finally had to move back home to Houston during the pandemic. A father of two, he expressed strong concerns about having his children go to a public school after years of studying in an international school in China:

“Moving back home will definitely open more opportunities to my children, who will soon be looking into colleges. However, I can't say that I am moving with a quiet heart: I am very concerned about the recent rise of gun violence in the country, especially in schools and on campuses. I am even considering homeschooling and other options for my kids”.

Overall, gun violence is a significant problem in the United States, and it is not uncommon for mass shootings to occur in public places such as schools, churches, and malls. The thought of being in a situation where gun violence could potentially occur can be intimidating for expats who are not accustomed to such a reality.

Are international students reconsidering their plans to move to the US?

Gun violence in the United States has received significant media coverage both domestically and internationally, and some high-profile mass shootings have occurred on college and university campuses in recent years. This may make some international students feel apprehensive about studying in the United States, particularly if they come from countries with lower rates of gun violence.

According to the Open Doors report, the largest group of international students in the United States are students from China.

Xue Li, who graduated from Michigan State University in 2017, describes her experience as very positive and considers it to be the best possible gateway into her career in high tech in Hong Kong. However, when asked if she would still consider studying in the US in 2023, Li expressed concerns about the current safety situation in the United States — specifically following the campus shooting at Michigan University on February 13th this year. “During my college years, I was able to fully focus on my studies and make the most out of my university experience. I feel that this may not be possible in today's reality — as students in the United States seem to be directly affected by the political division in the country and cannot feel safe in their own campuses."

Campus shootings have been a major concern for both domestic and international students studying in the United States. The frequency of these incidents has raised concerns about the safety of students, faculty, and staff on campus. While campus shootings have occurred in other countries, the United States has seen a higher frequency of such incidents than most other developed countries.

Li may not be the only one having similar thoughts. According to the 2022 Open Doors report, the number of Chinese students enrolling in US universities declined by 9%. However, it is still unclear what specific factors are influencing lower enrollment rates.

Some education and exchange program experts have cited gun violence, anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic and rising political tensions between the US and China (resulting in more difficult visa procedures) as possible reasons for the decline.

International students come to the United States for various reasons, including the quality of education and research opportunities. However, their decision to study in the United States may be influenced by the perceived safety of the country. According to a recent report by the American Psychology Association, a third of adults residing in the United States have expressed fear over mass shootings in the country and stated that it prevented them from attending public events.

Additionally, international students may be considering other destinations. For instance, a recent survey of international students in Canada showed that the country's reputation for being safe was one of the major deciding factors for students who've chosen to continue their education here.

The United States has been taking steps to address this issue, including increased security measures, active shooter training, and mental health counseling services.

However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in preventing future incidents. While campus shootings are a concern for all students, international students may be more vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with the culture and lack of support networks. Thus, it is important for universities to address these concerns and provide a safe and supportive environment for all students, including international students.