A record number of Americans applied for UK citizenship as Trump began his second term

A record number of Americans applied for British citizenship from January to March. This data covers the start of Donald Trump’s second presidential term.

According to the UK Home Office, 1,931 Americans applied. This is the highest number since records began in 2004. It represents a 12% increase from the previous quarter. Applications had already risen during the October-December period, coinciding with Trump’s re-election.

Last year also saw a record high for successful applications by US citizens seeking permanent settlement in the UK. Settled status allows individuals to live, work, and study in Britain indefinitely. More than 5,500 Americans were granted this status in 2024, which is a fifth more than in 2023.

The last spike in American applications for British citizenship occurred in 2020. This was during Trump’s first term and amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Data shows that over 5,800 Americans renounced their citizenship in early 2020. This number is nearly triple that of all of 2019. Bambridge Accountants compiled these statistics; they specialize in cross-border taxation.

Alistair Bambridge, a partner at Bambridge Accountants, noted many people had already left the US. They decided they were fed up with everything happening back home.

Many who renounced their citizenship expressed dissatisfaction with the political climate and pandemic management. Taxes were also a common reason for their decision.

While many Americans seek to build lives in the UK and Europe, it is becoming harder.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced tougher requirements for legal migrants last week. Newcomers will face extended waits before claiming citizenship.

Earlier this week, Italy enacted a law removing citizenship routes through great-grandparents. The country has also tightened visa rules for non-European Union citizens.

CNN's Alaa Elassar, Barbie Latza Nadeau, and Rob Picheta contributed to this report.