A growing number of Americans is opting for dual citizenship as a strategy to confront the uncertainty and political divisions prevailing in the country. This phenomenon not only reflects a significant generational shift but also a distancing from the traditional “American Dream.”
- High cost of living, difficulties in purchasing housing, and the growing perception of instability in rights and freedoms have contributed to this shift in perspective.
- The most attractive destinations include countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia.
- Investments required for programs like “Golden Visas” typically range from $10,000 to $1 million and take approximately 12 to 16 months to complete.
According to data compiled by The Harris Poll, 42% of surveyed adults say they have considered moving abroad as a way to improve their quality of life or financial situation.
This percentage rises to 63% among Generation Z and 52% among millennials, highlighting the influence of younger generations on this trend.
The traditional concept of the American Dream, based on freedom, financial stability, and social mobility, faces serious challenges.
High cost of living, difficulties in purchasing housing, and the growing perception of instability in rights and freedoms have contributed to this shift in perspective.
Tim Osiecki, director of thought leadership and trends at The Harris Poll, stated that “for most of modern history, the American Dream was deeply rooted in the United States. But that is changing.”
According to Osiecki, many Americans are now seeking alternatives in other countries that can offer them a more promising future.
The pursuit of a second citizenship is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained greater relevance in recent decades. According to David Lesperance, an international tax and citizenship advisor, interest intensified with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the main reasons driving Americans to consider moving abroad are the search for a lower cost of living (49%), dissatisfaction with current political leaders (48%), and the desire for a better quality of life (43%), according to The Harris Poll results.
The most attractive destinations include countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia.
Osiecki noted that, for younger generations, “dual citizenship is not a luxury, it’s a form of empowerment,” allowing them to access better healthcare, more affordable costs, and greater freedom to design their lives on their own terms.
Interest in dual citizenship is not limited to young people.
Among wealthy Americans, obtaining a second passport has gained popularity as part of a broader strategy to diversify risks.
According to Henley & Partners, a firm specializing in citizenship-by-investment programs, interest from Americans in dual citizenship increased by 183% between the first quarter of 2024 and the same period in 2025.
Sarah Nicklin, a representative of Henley & Partners, stated that “so far in 2025, U.S. citizens account for more than 30% of all investment migration applications managed by the company.” Firms like Arton Capital and Latitude Group have reported similar trends.
Arton Capital recorded a 400% increase in American clients during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, while Latitude noted that applications for citizenship or residency from U.S. citizens have surged by 1,000% since 2020.
Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, explained that his clients seek not only the global mobility benefits of a second passport but also the security it can provide. “Our clients are typically wealthy entrepreneurs, tech founders, and investors who want the mobility and security advantages that a second passport offers,” he said.
Options for obtaining secondary citizenship or residency include investment programs, such as “Golden Visas,” mechanisms based on family ties, or naturalization.
Countries like Ireland and Spain allow Americans with ancestors from those nations to apply for citizenship, while others, such as Portugal and Canada, offer naturalization after several years of residency.
Investments required for programs like “Golden Visas” typically range from $10,000 to $1 million and take approximately 12 to 16 months to complete.
While opting for dual citizenship offers many advantages, it is not without challenges. Kevin Marshall, a certified public accountant specializing in personal finance, noted that Americans, regardless of where they reside, must continue to comply with tax obligations imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“I’ve seen clients surprised to realize that having dual citizenship does not reduce their tax duties in the United States,” he explained. On the contrary, it can complicate fulfilling their tax responsibilities.
According to experts, the growing migration toward dual citizenship does not necessarily indicate an imminent “mass exodus” of U.S. residents. Lesperance emphasized that while many citizens are seeking a “Plan B,” a large number do not have an immediate intention to leave the country.
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