Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waiting for a train?
You can still get out. You will, admittedly, need a little money, but it’s door dash money, not $10,000.
Remember that most people who are refugees are far poorer than you. The Pakistani guy who’s made his way to the Calais jungle started with a nest egg, but it’s been a long trip and it’s long gone. They do it and you can too, if your life depends on it.
This article assumes you are not on disability, simply to make things clearer. We’ll have another article on disability payments. Here we’ll assume you’re just working a low-paying, entry level job or are unemployed, struggling to get by.
It also assumes you’ve watched one of the info sessions. If not, that’s your first stop.
Some Strategies that don’t require as much money
Go to Canada or Mexico. They are closer. It may not make that much difference to travel costs, but it does to your ability to retreat to the USA and try again if it’s not working. If you find a job in Canada you can apply under CUSMA.
Air travel is cheap but you need shelter at the destination. Ground travel means you can carry some minimal camping shelter with you. Google advice on getting cheap tickets.
Join an Au Pair program. Some one else pays your living expenses. Downside – you now have a crummy job taking care of someone else’s kid.
Backpacking travel – Combine with volunteer tourism.
Live on the border – Don’t truly emigrate, but move near the Canadian border. Go over the border more and more and apply for jobs. When you get a job offer, use CUSMA to get a permit.
Slow down – Make an emergency leave plan, even if it’s unattractive: “I have a bugout bag and passport. In an emergency I’ll take a bus to Windsor and figure out how to survive.” Then make a better plan that involves saving like crazy until spring.
It is going to be hard, but others have done it. You may have to leave your stuff behind or sell precious treasures. You may have to work even though you’re on disability. Some comfortable habits (buying weed or eating delivery) may need to be broken. You are going to need to be resourceful, imaginative, and willing.
Mostly, you are going to need to be self-reliant. Gofundme, #mutualaid, and similar requests are going to dry up. Everyone is in trouble and aid is spread thin.
There are options! Here’s 26 more unusual ways people are supporting themselves in new locations. Many require little/no money. You may have transferable skills or knowledge that you can apply in new areas. Or you can do manual labor or entry-level data entry. Everyone starts somewhere.
Group Tactics
Form an affinity group. One of you has a big tent, another is just more resourceful. One of you is a decent mechanic when the shared car breaks down. Another knows how to camp. Help each other and share knowledge.
Here are some tactics for your group to use:
Share resources – one person has a good car, another is a shade tree mechanic, another plays an instrument and can busk (play on the street for donations).
Pool finances and send one person. When they’re established, then others go join them. This is how many immigrants got to the USA out of Nazi Germany, and how many got from the “old country” to the USA historically.
Live 6 in an apartment for a month. It won’t be comfortable, but at the end of the month you have 5 rents.
Get on community buy/sell boards or gig sites and offer services together, like moving.
Demand everyone contribute – don’t take dead wood or problematic people with you.
Ways to Earn Money Quick
Work an event – Check online, they are often looking for people to work events (catering service, concerts, etc.).
Busk – If you can play an instrument, stand on a downtown street and play with a hat in front of you.
Sign – makes $5-$10 an hour.
Sell your stuff – if it’s not going with you, sell it on ebay.
Door Dash – if you are in their system in one city you can do it anywhere.
Sell something on Etsy – crochet something cute and easy to make. You can do it anywhere. Or there are loads of digital products you can make and sell entirely online.
Get on community buy/sell boards or gig sites and offer services like tutoring.
Conclusion
We are in a crisis, and we want you all to survive. It will be hard, but it is possible. Go, and may the spirit of all trans people before you go with you.