Why Some Americans Are Renouncing Citizenship Amid Politics and Taxes

While millions aspire to obtain U.S. citizenship, a growing number of Americans living abroad are actively renouncing it. A 2025 survey shows that nearly 49% of U.S. expats are considering renunciation, with 51% citing political dissatisfaction as a key reason.

Political Frustration Drives Renunciations

• Events such as the January 6 Capitol riots, threats to voting rights, gun violence, and rising political extremism are cited as triggers.

• Polarizing leadership and partisan conflicts are increasingly central to Americans’ decisions to leave.

• Some expats formally begin the renunciation process immediately after political milestones, such as Trump’s re-election in 2025.

Financial and Tax Burdens

• The U.S. is one of the few countries that taxes citizens regardless of residence, requiring expats to file annual tax returns and face potential penalties.

• Complex reporting rules and foreign bank restrictions create financial headaches for U.S. citizens abroad.

• 61% of expats considering renunciation cite taxes as a motivating factor.

Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles

• Renouncing U.S. citizenship is expensive, complicated, and irreversible.

• Some expats worry about increased scrutiny when entering the U.S. after renunciation, particularly regarding social media activity or prior voting.

Spike in Migration Interest to Canada

• Following the November presidential election in 2024, Canadian immigration inquiries from U.S. citizens surged 300%, reflecting growing interest in permanent residency.

• Immigration lawyers report an increase in Americans seeking new opportunities abroad, often without prior ties to the destination country.

The Human Side of Renunciation

For many, the decision is deeply personal. Expats like Colleen McCutcheon cite a gradual disconnection from American identity, driven by issues like the opioid crisis, healthcare concerns, and toxic political discourse.

This trend highlights that for some Americans, politics and taxes now outweigh the historical allure of U.S. citizenship, even as millions risk dangerous journeys to attain it.