The Trump Effect: Americans Rush to Emigrate, Foreigners Want to Move to the U.S.

Donald Trump’s reelection for a second term raises concerns among some Americans, prompting them to seek new opportunities for life abroad. Interest in foreign citizenship, residence permits, and residency visas is on the rise. Let’s explore which countries are favored by potential American emigrants and what drives their decisions. We will also explain the growing interest in the U.S. from various non-Americans following the news of the eccentric billionaire’s reelection as head of state.

Trump’s reelection sparks interest in emigration among Americans

Analysis of Google search queries indicates that after Donald Trump’s victory in the elections on November 5, 2024, many Americans began searching for opportunities to relocate abroad. Fearing the consequences of the presidency of the eccentric billionaire and tired of political tension, U.S. citizens are flocking to friendly English-speaking countries.

Research shows that the number of search queries related to moving to the UK increased by 900% from November 4 to 6, 2024. An even more significant surge was recorded for queries related to relocating to Canada (+2400%).

Americans can move to the UK on a Tier 2 skilled worker visa if they have a job offer. They need to be in a sought-after profession and earn over £38,700 per year to qualify. The appeal of the UK for Americans is also attributed to more accessible healthcare and a stabilization of the political situation following the rise of a Labour government in July 2024.

In addition to the UK and Canada, popular emigration destinations for Americans include Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica. It is expected that in 2025, Americans will increasingly consider emigration to Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway.

Immigration agents note a rise in inquiries from wealthy U.S. citizens about obtaining second citizenship and residence permits through investments in countries that offer stability, low costs, a comfortable climate, and a favorable tax environment. They are particularly interested in the “golden visas” of Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Greece. In these Southern European countries, U.S. citizens can combine purchasing real estate for living with obtaining immigration benefits.

Expecting new records?

The last complete year of Trump’s previous presidential term saw a historic record in the number of Americans renouncing their U.S. citizenship. Donald Trump served as the President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. In 2020, 6,705 Americans chose to cut ties with their historical homeland, which was an unprecedented event.

One of the main reasons for this trend is the taxation in the U.S. based on citizenship rather than residency. There is only one other country that practices such a system: Eritrea, known for its consistently high emigration rates.

Are we going to see new records in the number of Americans renouncing their citizenship during Trump’s second presidential term? Experts are skeptical, considering his recent campaign promises and statements. Moreover, the implementation of some of these promises could affect educational, labor, and investment immigration to the U.S.

Immigrants eyeing the U.S.

Let’s examine Trump’s campaign promises and his actions during his first term that could stimulate interest in the U.S. among wealthy immigrants, foreign students, and professionals:

• Ending citizenship-based taxation: In October 2024, Trump supported a proposal to relieve Americans living abroad from the obligation to pay income tax to the U.S. treasury. This means that the then-presidential candidate supported a shift to a residency-based taxation system. Trump also proposed other amendments to tax legislation, including the elimination of taxes on tips, overtime, and social security benefits. Additionally, he promised to extend the tax benefits introduced during his first presidency in 2017. Ending citizenship-based taxation could enhance the appeal of obtaining a U.S. passport for immigrants.
• Green cards for future graduates of U.S. universities: In June 2024, Trump proposed granting green cards to all international students graduating from U.S. universities. This announcement was a response to the Biden administration’s immigration reform announcement. Trump justified the decision by stating a desire to retain talented professionals to support the national economy.
• Conditions for increased demand for the EB-5 Investor Green Card: Trump’s contacts with world leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, could lead to an increase in foreign direct investment from these Middle Eastern countries into the U.S. Experts do not rule out that a significant portion of this investment will come through the EB-5 program that allows foreign investors to apply for green cards.

A “fly in the ointment”: birth tourism under question

However, Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections also promises new restrictions for foreigners considering birth tourism in the U.S. The politician has previously expressed intentions to end the practice of granting citizenship by “birthright” (lat.: jus soli) to children of illegal immigrants. Trump promised to sign an executive order that would terminate automatic citizenship for such children immediately upon returning to the White House.

This initiative has garnered support from several of his allies, including Congressman Matt Gaetz. Gaetz previously prepared a bill to prohibit “citizenship fraud.” If passed, this document would require at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident in the country at the time of the child’s birth for the child to be granted U.S. citizenship.

Experts also do not rule out tightening the conditions for obtaining B-type visas that are often used for birth tourism. Against this backdrop, some prospective parents are considering alternatives, including the U.S. E2 business visa. There’s one catch, though: it is only available to citizens of countries that have signed a special agreement with the U.S. regarding trade and economic cooperation, and the number of such countries is quite limited.

Citizenship by investment for Americans

The quickest way for wealthy Americans to change their citizenship is to obtain citizenship of a foreign state by investment. What is citizenship by investment? It is a legal concept that allows individuals to acquire foreign identification documents and citizen status in a chosen country by making a financial contribution to its economy. This concept is also known as economic citizenship. To obtain a passport, the following is required:

• A non-returnable one-time contribution;
• Or returnable investments.

Countries that allow investors to acquire passports through investments do not impose restrictions on dual citizenship.

Financial schemes for obtaining citizenship by investment include the following types of returnable investments:

• Purchase of a share of real estate or an entire building/ land within the borders of the chosen country;
• Acquisition of shares in a registered company;
• Financing the national debt of the destination country ( in some countries investors can buy government bonds to qualify for citizenship);
• Opening a business and creating jobs;
• Obtaining a passport through capitalization of a fund (pension, venture, or real estate);
• Making a deposit in a local bank.

Acceptable categories of investments are determined by the specific country. Combinations of investments and non-refundable one-time contributions are possible.

Below we list five countries with economic citizenship programs where English is an official language. All of them were once British colonies. One of these countries is located in Europe, while the others are in the Caribbean. In addition, we list a country in the South Pacific where English is not an official language but many locals are fluent in it. 

Malta passport for investment – from €715,000

The local citizenship program is known as MCNESDI (Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment). It involves granting citizenship status “for outstanding merits in the form of direct investment.” To obtain a passport, investors must contribute €700,000 (non-refundable) and spend at least €80,000 on renting real estate. Citizenship through business investment is not available in Malta.

Grenada passport for investment – from 235,000

One of the best options in the Caribbean. The Grenadian citizenship-by-investment scheme has been available since 2013. A foreign investor can receive a passport by either making a minimum contribution of 235,000 (non-refundable, spent on the socio-economic development of the country) or by purchasing shares in resorts from a list on the IMAgrenada agency’s website for $270,000 (purchasing shares in the resort provides passive income from renting out the property; investors can withdraw from the investment after five years and keep their citizenship).

Dominica passport for investor – from 200,000

This country attracts investors with its minimal investment and contribution requirements. It is currently the cheapest way to take advantage of the investment program for obtaining citizenship through real estate purchase. Financial conditions include a contribution of at least 200,000 and purchasing shares in accredited real estate (the list is available on the official website) for at least $200,000 (the actual amount of investment may be higher depending on the choice of resort).

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship for investor – from $230,000

There are four ways to obtain this country’s passport by investment:

• A non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to the government fund;
• A minimum contribution of $260,000 to the fund of the University of the West Indies;
• Capitalization of an accredited business by the investor with a minimum investment of $1.5million (individually) or $400,000 (if the investor joins a group of applicants jointly investing $5 million);
• Purchasing shares in accredited development projects in Antigua and Barbuda (the current list is available on the official website) with a minimum investment of $400,000.

Saint Kitts and Nevis passport for investment – from $250,000

The economic citizenship program, operational since 1984, can be used in the following ways:

• Purchasing any housing in the country;
• Buying shares in real estate (only in accredited projects listed on the Saint Kitts and Nevis government website);
• Making a contribution to the national fund.

The cost of obtaining a passport through contribution is 250,000. When purchasing real estate, a minimum investment of 325,000 (resort share) or $600,000 (any housing) is required. Investments are made for seven years. Rental of the property is allowed. There is an additional fee for family members wishing to obtain Saint Kitts and Nevis passports.

Saint Lucia citizenship by investment – from $240,000

The conditions of the program for foreign investors include:

• A non-refundable contribution of $240,000 to the Saint Lucia state fund;
• Capitalization of an accredited business with a minimum investment of $250,000;
• Purchasing government debt (the minimum investment amount for government bonds is $300,000);
• $300,000 for purchasing shares in an accredited development project in Saint Lucia (the list is available on the official website).

Refundable investments in the country to obtain a passport are made for five years. There are additional fees for family members. If applying as a family, both the minimum investment amounts for obtaining passports and the administrative fees increase.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment – from $145,000

Vanuatu currently offers the only way to citizenship: you can donate from $145,000 to the state fund to qualify for a passport of the country. This is the least expensive second citizenship option available at the moment. The money that the state fund generates makes up a considerable portion of the national budget. The authorities of Vanuatu are working on the opportunity to grant citizenship to foreign investors in real estate but the legal procedures have not been finalized yet. 

Conclusion

In summary, the reelection of Donald Trump has sparked significant interest in emigration, particularly to countries such as the UK and Canada. Americans are driven by fears of political tension and a desire for stability. Simultaneously, there is a growing interest in the U.S. from foreigners, caused by potential tax reforms and investment opportunities. With increasing inquiries for citizenship by investment programs and a notable rise in Americans renouncing their citizenship, the dynamics of international migration are shifting, reflecting both challenges and opportunities in the current political climate.