Americans Flee Gun Culture: Couple Relocates to Ireland Amid Turmoil

UPDATE: In a significant move highlighting the ongoing effects of gun culture in the United States, couple Natalia Lange and Michael Presnal have relocated from Michigan to Crosshaven, Ireland, citing escalating fears over safety and community disintegration. The couple’s journey began in August 2023, as they witnessed a troubling trend among friends and family: an increasing number of previously non-gun owners investing in firearms.

Lange reflects on this alarming shift, stating, “It’s like, the only way that they’ll feel safe is if they also invest in gun ownership.” Their concerns extended beyond firearms, encompassing issues like election integrity and healthcare access under the Trump administration. The couple, who lived in Grand Rapids, made the decision to leave when Lange’s job with a refugee resettlement agency was disrupted shortly after Trump’s inauguration, leading to the cancellation of flights for families waiting years for resettlement.

In their search for a new life, they found employment with NASC, a migrant and refugee rights center in Cork. The couple was thrilled to settle in a charming, traditional whitewashed cottage with a half-door in Crosshaven. Lange shares that they were “very lucky” to find such a welcoming community. “Our neighbors are sitting outside, and they invite us to join them for wine club or tea,” she adds, emphasizing the warmth and connection they have experienced.

Presnal, an artist known as J Maloof, has also noticed a cultural shift. He explains, “In the States, being an artist is sometimes looked down on. Here, it feels like a vital part of the culture.” The couple’s move is part of a larger trend among Americans seeking refuge in Ireland, including notable figures like comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who emigrated earlier this year.

Despite the excitement of their new life, Lange and Presnal express concern for friends and family left behind in the U.S. “Some of our friends are immigrants or have health issues, and I worry for their safety,” Lange admits. She acknowledges the emotional toll of leaving behind a supportive community but remains optimistic about building new connections in Ireland.

Presnal is actively seeking studio space for his artwork, while also engaging with local artistic communities. Word of his talent has spread, leading to opportunities like painting a mural near their home. Meanwhile, Lange has embraced the tea culture in Ireland, sharing her joy in the shift from coffee-drinking traditions in the U.S. to enjoying tea with neighbors.

As they settle into their new environment, Lange observes, “We’ve been so embraced by the community.” The couple reflects on their journey, recognizing the stark contrasts between their experiences in the U.S. and their new life in Ireland. With their first winter approaching, they are hopeful that the picturesque views of the Owenabue River and Cork Harbour will bring comfort and joy, even in the colder months.

Both Lange and Presnal remain aware of the political climate back home, speculating on the potential for change in the U.S. “I don’t know how long it will take,” Lange says. “But we believe the pendulum will eventually swing back to reflect a kinder America.”

As they adjust to life in Crosshaven, the couple’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal impact of broader societal issues, resonating with many who feel compelled to seek safer and more supportive communities.