What it costs to leave the U.S.

This episode of 'This Is Uncomfortable' explores the profound financial, emotional, and ethical costs of leaving the United States for undocumented immigrants, particularly those who have no path to citizenship. Through the stories of Javi, a 24-year-old undocumented college student in California, and Monsi Hernandez, an activist who left the U.S. for Germany nearly a decade ago, the podcast reveals how the decision to leave is often not a choice but a necessity driven by fear, systemic exclusion, and the threat of detention. Javi is saving $15,000–$35,000 to move to Europe or Mexico, while Monsi recounts the $1,600 cost of transporting her parrots, $5,000 in required savings for a German visa, and the emotional toll of saying goodbye to family. Despite the high price, both see leaving as a path to peace of mind, dignity, and a life free from constant fear. The episode also examines the 10-year ban on re-entry after departure, the limited success of government relocation incentives, and the growing support network Onward, which helps dreamers navigate this difficult transition. Ultimately, the story reframes leaving not as defeat, but as a courageous act of self-preservation and hope for a better future.