The number of American citizens applying for British citizenship hit a historic record in 2024, with over 6,100 applications registered throughout the year – the highest volume since records began in 2004. The increase was particularly significant in the last months of the year, coinciding with Donald Trump’s victory in the November presidential elections. This phenomenon reignites a migration pattern that has been observed during previous periods of political turmoil in the United States.
According to data from the UK Home Office, the number of applications more than doubled compared to the early years of the 21st century, when fewer than 3,000 Americans made this request annually. Additionally, the total for 2024 represents a significant growth compared to the previous year, which saw fewer than 5,000 applications. The most notable spike occurred in the last quarter of 2024, when over 1,700 Americans initiated the process, setting a new quarterly record in the last two decades.
The sharp increase in the number of applications seems to reflect a phenomenon already observed during other periods of political instability in the US. A similar case occurred in the early months of 2020, when more than 5,800 American citizens renounced their nationality, nearly tripling the number from 2019. This movement was attributed to dissatisfaction with Trump’s presidency and changes in tax policy, particularly among Americans who had been residing in the UK for years.
Experts point out that the pursuit of British citizenship is linked not only to political concerns but also to financial factors and quality of life. For many, the possibility of avoiding the US tax system – which taxes citizens even when living abroad – is a major motivator. According to Alistair Bambridge, partner at Bambridge Accountants, a firm specializing in expatriate taxation, many Americans express frustration with the tax burden imposed by the US and view British citizenship as a more advantageous alternative.
Moreover, the polarized political climate, with heated debates on civil rights, immigration, and access to public healthcare services, has also led many Americans to consider a permanent move to the UK. The British National Health Service (NHS), for example, is an attraction for those seeking to escape the high costs of private healthcare in the US.
Interestingly, Donald Trump himself could qualify for a British passport. His late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Scotland and lived there until she was 17, when she emigrated to the US in 1930 to work as a domestic servant. According to British nationality laws, this could potentially give Trump the right to apply for UK citizenship, something that would ironically make him eligible for a European passport – even though the UK’s departure from the European Union has significantly reduced the benefits of that title.
While more Americans are rushing to obtain a British passport, many Britons are taking the opposite route, seeking other nationalities as a way to escape the limitations imposed by Brexit. Since the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, the number of Britons applying for Irish passports has nearly doubled. Irish citizenship offers Britons the right to work, live, and travel freely in EU countries, making it an attractive alternative for those wishing to retain the benefits of free movement.
In addition to Ireland, other European countries have also seen an increase in demand for citizenship from Britons. Germany, Portugal, and Italy are among the most popular destinations, especially due to their dual nationality policies and historical ties to British communities.
With Trump’s re-election reigniting fears and uncertainties among Americans living abroad, some regions in Europe see this as an opportunity to attract new residents. A village in Sardinia, Italy, for example, recently launched a website aimed at potential American expatriates, offering affordable properties and highlighting the benefits of a quieter life in the Mediterranean.
The website makes a direct appeal to US citizens who are discontented with the political landscape:
“Are you tired of global politics? Looking for a more balanced lifestyle while ensuring new opportunities? It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.”
The strategy reflects a broader movement by European towns and villages, facing depopulation and economic crises, to revitalize their communities by attracting foreigners seeking a fresh start.
The record increase in the number of Americans applying for British citizenship demonstrates how political and economic factors can directly influence migration decisions. Trump’s re-election appears to have been a catalyst for this movement, just as Brexit encouraged many Britons to seek alternatives within the European Union. The phenomenon reveals a growing trend of citizens seeking stability, better living conditions, and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world. As the years unfold, it will be interesting to observe whether this movement continues and how governments will respond to changes in immigration and citizenship demands.
