Escape to Canada: Election Results Fuel Desire for U.S. Citizenship Escape
After every U.S. election, millions of people are left represented by a candidate they don’t align with. This sentiment has led many to consider fleeing the country altogether. While leaving the country has been a common joke, recent changes in political leadership have turned this idea into a serious reality.
Election lawyers on both sides of the border are experiencing a surge in interest from individuals looking to either file for dual citizenship with Canada or ditch their U.S. citizenship entirely. Since the current administration took office, immigration lawyers have reported an increase in inquiries and applications for Canadian citizenship, with some claiming a doubling or tripling of requests.
People seeking a new citizenship fall into four main categories: high-profile individuals who criticized the previous president, high net-worth individuals whose families fled persecution during World War II, individuals with familial connections to Canada, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people.
Immigration lawyers advise that the quickest routes to Canadian citizenship involve studying there, being under 35 with a work permit, speaking French and having a job offer, or being a dependent of a Canadian citizen. Full citizenship typically takes four years. Meanwhile, U.S. citizenship renunciation is a lengthy and expensive process, costing up to $4,000 and requiring legal representation.
While considering renouncing one’s U.S. citizenship may seem attractive, individuals must factor in ongoing financial obligations, such as child support and taxes, as well as potential legal challenges and uncertainty about future government policies.
It’s crucial for those considering an exit strategy to understand the complex procedures and consequences involved in relinquishing U.S. citizenship. They must weigh their options carefully to ensure they’re making an informed decision about their future.