American exodus: Record surge in brits citizenship bids
A record number of Americans applied for British citizenship between January and March, a period marking the beginning of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, CNN reported, citing data from the UK's Home Office in London.
In the first quarter of the year, a total of 1,931 Americans submitted applications, representing a 12% increase from the previous quarter and the highest since records began in 2004. CNN noted that there was also an increase in applications during the last quarter of the previous year, around the time Trump won the election.
The last significant surge in American interest in British citizenship was in 2020, during Trump's first term, when the Covid-19 pandemic was widespread.
According to immigration lawyers, Donald Trump's candidacy and election victory have sparked increased interest in British citizenship. Another factor for wealthier Americans has been the UK's tax changes that took effect on April 6. This pertains to the abolition of the non-dom tax status.
As explained by BBC, "'Non-dom' describes a UK resident whose permanent home - or domicile - for tax purposes is outside the UK. It refers to a person's tax status, and has nothing to do with their nationality, citizenship or resident status - although it can be affected by these factors. A non-dom only pays UK tax on the money they earn in the UK. They do not have to pay tax to the UK government on money made elsewhere in the world (unless they pay that money into a UK bank account)."
To apply for British citizenship, one must reside in the UK for five years or have parents with British citizenship. One can also apply if their spouse holds a British passport and has lived in the UK for three years.
Americans are seeking opportunities to live in Europe, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. Last year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK government would toughen the requirements for legal migrants. The waiting time for citizenship is expected to increase.
Similarly, the Italian government adopted regulations in April restricting the ability to obtain citizenship. Along with tightening visa regulations for non-EU citizens, Italy removed the option for individuals whose great-grandparents were from the country to apply for citizenship.
