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The recent return of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked a noticeable increase in the number of Americans considering alternative citizenship options.
Legal professionals, particularly in Canada and the UK, report a significant rise in requests from Americans looking to renounce their US citizenship.
Experts have dubbed this trend the “Donald Dash,” reflecting a sense of urgency among those seeking to escape perceived political and social upheavals.
Data from Immigration News Canada indicates that the most active demographic in this movement comes from the LGBTQ community, who are increasingly worried about potential setbacks to rights related to same-sex marriage and transgender healthcare.
Among the most notable figures to seek refuge in the UK are Ellen DeGeneres and her spouse, Portia de Rossi, who have recently relocated to the Cotswolds.
Berardi Immigration Law, operating in both the US and Canada, has seen a jump from receiving one or two inquiries monthly regarding Canadian citizenship to several each week.
Additionally, older Americans with connections to Canada are actively pursuing citizenship, reminiscent of the wave of individuals who relocated during the Vietnam War era to avoid the draft.
Douglas Cowgill, a legal expert, shared with CBC that inquiries about renouncing US citizenship have doubled since the last election, indicating a growing trend among those searching for alternative citizenship.
Alexander Marino, who leads the US tax law sector at Moodys Tax Law in Calgary, noted that a primary reason for renunciation is to circumvent potential US tax obligations while living overseas. He confirmed there was an uptick in interest following Trump’s electoral win.
In the UK, “Donald Dashers” have also made a notable impact. The Home Office recorded a 40 percent rise in applications during the last quarter of the previous year, resulting in about 1,700 inquiries during that period.
Overall, about 6,100 citizenship applications were processed in the past year, marking a 26 percent increase and the highest numbers observed since record-keeping began two decades ago. Experts have also witnessed a surge in the number of online searches related to ways to obtain British nationality.
The criteria for obtaining British citizenship can be quite stringent, requiring applicants to demonstrate familial ties to British parents or grandparents if they do not meet other residency guidelines.
Recent surveys of Americans reveal that approximately 25 percent are contemplating relocating abroad, with a marked spike in interest correlating with Trump’s victory.
This trend mirrors the reactions observed following Trump’s initial election in 2016.
Sophie Barrett-Brown, an immigration lawyer at Laura Devine, acknowledged the ongoing trend, stating, “We have seen a considerable rise in inquiries from US nationals and long-term US residents looking to move to the UK.”
Her colleague, Zeena Luchowa, added, “Individuals are exploring immediate pathways to relocating to the UK, particularly by investigating UK ancestry for potential eligibility for British citizenship.”
This pursuit often involves careful scrutiny of family lineage and a thorough understanding of both historical and current British citizenship laws.
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www.yahoo.com