Americans heading to the United Kingdom are not letting up.
On the 23rd (local time), the British Home Office announced that 1,931 U.S. nationals applied for British citizenship in the first quarter of this year, setting a record high, which is a 12% increase from the same period last year (1,724).
The United States is a nation that originated from Puritans who fled the Church of England in 1620 in search of freedom of faith. Recently, just after Brexit in 2020, wealthy British citizens migrated en masse to the United States.
This year, in stark contrast, Americans are looking across the Atlantic to the UK as a new land of opportunity.
Experts analyzed that the surge in Americans traveling to the UK is deeply rooted in the conservative policy framework promoted by the Trump administration and the prevailing social anxieties.
The New York Times (NYT) analyzed that 'political instability triggered by Trump's reelection and the deepening social polarization are major factors.'
In particular, social minorities or vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals, women in senior positions, and certain racial groups are looking toward the UK, where the sense of threat is less.
Immigration attorney Muhuntan Parameswaran noted in an interview with the BBC that 'as negative currents against the LGBTQ+ community and certain ethnic minorities spread within the United States, more individuals from these groups are considering migrating to the UK, which offers a relatively stable and inclusive environment.'
According to a report from the immigration law firm Chambers and Sons, the number of LGBTQ+ applicants in the United States inquiring about British citizenship and long-term residency visas has increased by more than 30% compared to previous years.
Despite the upheaval of Brexit, the UK is emerging as an attractive alternative for Americans with its relatively stable social system, quality of life similar to that of the United States, and shared language. The fact that the UK is relatively free from issues such as gun violence, high medical expenses, and deepening racial conflicts is also considered a positive factor.
Americans are also paying attention to Canada, Ireland, France, and Portugal. These countries generally boast political stability, high quality of life, and universal healthcare systems as strengths.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of Americans applying for Canadian citizenship increased by 15% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Notably, the influx of young professionals was prominent.
The Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the number of Americans applying for Irish passports surged by 60% between January and February of this year compared to the same period last year. Under Irish law, Americans with Irish ancestry up to three generations back can apply for Irish citizenship. As Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU), securing citizenship allows for free movement and residency within Europe.
Data from the French Ministry of the Interior shows that the number of long-term visa applications from U.S. nationals in the first quarter of 2025 reached 2,383, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year.
The Washington Post analyzed that 'Canada and Ireland, thanks to the linguistic advantage of English and cultural intimacy, are places where Americans feel less burdened by initial settlement,' and added, 'Portugal offers relatively easy visa issuance conditions, a mild climate, and low living costs as advantages.'
Recently, as political ideological conflicts have intensified within American universities and government support for certain academic fields has decreased, there is a growing trend of American nationals seeking to study in Europe for a freer and more stable academic environment.
According to data from the UK Universities Consortium (NCUK), the number of visa applications from American students at affiliated universities has increased by 9.6% over the past year. Experts assessed that this suggests a growing activity in migration for educational purposes, beyond merely obtaining citizenship.
Immigration and international affairs expert Ono Okere analyzed in an interview with The Guardian that 'not only for political reasons but also due to widespread social fears, economic instability, and the aspiration for a better quality of life, various factors are causing people to leave the United States,' adding that 'the meaning of the American Dream is being redefined.'