Americans Increasingly Seeking Second Passports: Attorneys Report Surge in Dual Citizenship Applications
As uncertainty looms in the United States, a growing number of Americans are turning to lawyers for assistance in obtaining second passports and exploring the option of dual citizenship. Whether motivated by political concerns, retirement plans, or a desire for greater flexibility in a globalized world, the trend of seeking alternative citizenship is on the rise.
The Impetus for Seeking Dual Citizenship
According to attorneys in the immigration law field, the recent surge in inquiries about dual citizenship is driven by a variety of factors. Audrey Lustgarten, managing partner of WR Global, notes that similar interest was observed at the beginning of the Trump administration in 2017. Betina Schlossberg, an attorney at Schlossberg Legal, highlights the current sense of unease among Americans, prompting them to consider alternative options for their future.
Mo Syed, a principal attorney at Offit Kurman, reports an increase in clients seeking second passports, particularly through ancestry or investment programs. Mixed-race couples, same-sex couples, and individuals looking for retirement options with lower costs of living and better access to healthcare are among those exploring dual citizenship as a viable solution.
Navigating the Path to Dual Citizenship
While the United States allows for dual citizenship, the process of obtaining a second passport can be complex and time-consuming. Many Americans are turning to European Union countries for citizenship, as it offers them the flexibility to study and work within the EU without additional visas. Countries like Italy, Germany, and Poland provide citizenship through ancestry, requiring applicants to establish a connection through their bloodline.
However, the journey to reclaim citizenship through ancestry is not without its challenges. Applicants often encounter bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and the need to gather extensive documentation to prove their lineage. From birth certificates to marriage records, the process of tracing one’s heritage can involve significant research and verification.
For Italian citizenship, the timeline can range from 2.5 to 4 years, with applicants required to submit a multitude of vital records and navigate the complexities of the Italian legal system. Similarly, German citizenship applications faced a backlog of 42,000 cases in 2023, underscoring the demand for dual citizenship among Americans seeking alternative options.
The Costs and Benefits of Dual Citizenship
While the pursuit of dual citizenship offers individuals greater mobility and access to different opportunities, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Attorneys caution clients about the implications of being taxed in multiple countries and the challenges of navigating legal protections as dual citizens.
Countries like Portugal, Greece, and Spain have offered “golden visas” to non-EU citizens in exchange for significant investments, but the rising real estate prices and the phasing out of such programs highlight the complexities of obtaining citizenship through investment.
Despite the challenges, attorneys emphasize the personal and professional satisfaction of helping clients secure dual citizenship. From untangling family histories to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, the process of reclaiming ancestral ties and exploring new citizenship options is both rewarding and enriching.
In a world marked by uncertainty and change, the quest for dual citizenship reflects a desire for security, mobility, and a sense of belonging beyond national borders. As more Americans seek second passports, attorneys play a crucial role in guiding them through the intricate process of obtaining dual citizenship and embracing a global identity.
