Who Owns the American Dream? Free Speech, Global Media, and Political Propaganda

For decades, the American Dream has stood as a powerful global symbol – one that promised freedom, prosperity, and social mobility to anyone willing to work for it. This vision of the United States as a land of opportunity has drawn millions of migrants from around the world, inspired economic models in other nations, and shaped global perceptions of what success looks like. However, in the 21st century, this ideal is facing a profound crisis.

Economic inequality, political polarization, and shifting attitudes toward migration have raised questions about whether the American Dream is still attainable, particularly for those outside the country who once saw it as a beacon of hope. The debate has intensified after Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency in 2025. His administration’s strict stance on immigration, deportations, and economic nationalism has reshaped not just domestic policy but the global narrative surrounding America’s role as a destination for migrants and a model of success.

But the American Dream is not just an American story. It is a global concept that intersects with migration patterns, economic policies, and international media narratives. At the same time, competing visions – such as China’s “Chinese Dream”  – have challenged traditional dominance as the world’s aspirational nation. Meanwhile, the ability to access free and independent information has become an essential factor in shaping how people perceive the reality of the American Dream, both inside and outside the U.S.

Understanding these evolving narratives is crucial for organizations like the NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA), which champions media freedom, independent journalism, and human rights. If the American Dream is to remain a global ideal, it must be examined critically, beyond political propaganda and within the broader context of migration, media manipulation, and the struggle for truthful, unbiased reporting.

Migration and the American Dream: A Changing Story

Historically, migration has essentially made the United States an economic superpower. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of people from Europe, Latin America, and Asia arrived in America seeking better economic opportunities and political freedom. Immigrants helped build the railways, factories, and financial institutions, transforming the U.S. into a global economic leader. The essence of the American Dream was that anyone, regardless of background, could succeed through hard work.

However, in recent decades, this idea has come under increasing strain. While the U.S. remains a significant destination for migrants, the narrative has shifted from opportunity for all to protectionism and restriction. Trump’s first presidency (2016–2020) saw a crackdown on undocumented immigration, including the controversial family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border and the rescinding of protections for DACA recipients (young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children). His second term has further emphasized deportations, border security, and a nationalist approach to economic policy, reinforcing the message that the American Dream is not for everyone.

This policy shift has had global repercussions. The U.S. – once considered a welcoming land for ambitious migrants – is now viewed by many as a country closing its doors. The contradiction is stark: America continues to rely on migrant labour—particularly in agriculture, technology, and healthcare—yet political rhetoric increasingly frames immigrants as a threat rather than an asset.

The question, then, is whether the American Dream is still an inclusive vision of progress or whether it has become a myth sustained by nostalgia and political opportunism.

The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions of the American Dream

Media narratives have long shaped the global perception of the American Dream. For decades, Hollywood exported an image of the U.S. as a land where hard work leads to success, regardless of one’s background. However, in an age of digital misinformation, state-controlled media, and partisan news networks, the reality of the American Dream is increasingly difficult to discern.

The narrative of success and social mobility varies in the United States depending on who controls the message. The country that once celebrated stories of self-made immigrants like Andrew Carnegie or tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk is now deeply divided on whether migration is a benefit or a threat.

For many around the world, the American Dream still holds power, but it is increasingly viewed through a filter of fake news, political spin, and media manipulation. In China, for instance, state media frequently highlights American inequality and racial tensions as proof that the Dream is failing while promoting the Chinese Dream as a more stable and reliable path to prosperity. In Europe, discussions about American gun violence, healthcare costs, and economic disparities have led many to question whether the U.S. is truly a model to aspire to.

At the same time, within America itself, news outlets tailored to specific political ideologies reinforce competing versions of reality. Right-wing media often portrays immigration as a national crisis, while left-wing media emphasizes racial injustice and economic disparity. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between. This is why organizations like NEXUS-IBA are crucial in offering independent, fact-based reporting that transcends political interests.

If the American Dream is to remain relevant, it must be examined critically and truthfully, free from media distortion and political propaganda.

The Role of Critical Thinking in Distinguishing Facts from Myth

A significant factor shaping the perception of the American Dream today is the decline of critical thinking in public discourse. In many educational systems, particularly in the U.S., there has been a shift away from teaching analytical thinking in favour of rote memorization and standardized testing. This has left many unable to question sources effectively, recognize bias, or differentiate fact from propaganda.

Without critical thinking, it is easy for people to believe simple, emotionally charged narratives—whether it be the idea that immigrants are “seeking jobs” or that “America is a utopia where anyone can succeed if they just try hard enough”. The truth is always more complex. But in a world where fake news, viral misinformation, and social media algorithms shape public perception, a lack of media literacy and critical analysis makes people vulnerable to manipulation.

Ironically, liberal and progressive movements have historically championed free speech, but conservative and populist figures increasingly embrace it. These figures claim that the mainstream media and social platforms suppress dissenting opinions. While free speech should be neutral and universally applied, its politicization has blurred the lines between unbiased reporting and propaganda.

This is precisely why the work of NEXUS-IBA and other independent media organizations is vital. If the world is to have an honest conversation about the American Dream, migration, and global inequality, then it must be based on truth, not ideology.

The American Dream at a Crossroads

The American Dream is no longer just an American issue—it is a global debate about opportunity, migration, economic fairness, and media freedom. While it remains a source of hope for millions worldwide, financial barriers, political rhetoric, and media manipulation are increasingly challenging its reality.

The future of the Dream will depend not just on U.S. policies but on how the world perceives it. As independent journalism and international broadcasters like NEXUS-IBA continue to expose the realities behind political narratives, the question remains: Is the American Dream still alive, or has it become an illusion carefully controlled by those in power?

The answer will not come from politicians or media empires. It will come from those willing to think critically, challenge misinformation, and seek the truth beyond the headlines.