Many People Considering Leaving US After Election
After every US election, millions of people are left represented by a candidate they don’t support. For some, this dissatisfaction has turned into a serious consideration to leave the country. According to immigration lawyers on both sides of the border, there is a growing interest in people cutting ties with the US.
One lawyer, Evan Green, managing partner at Green and Spiegel law firm in Toronto, notes that the number of people seeking a path to Canadian citizenship has doubled or tripled since the election. Those interested in obtaining Canadian citizenship or renouncing their US citizenship altogether are motivated by uncertainty and fear.
Green cites four main categories of individuals interested in leaving the US: those who spoke out against Trump and fear retribution, high net-worth individuals whose families escaped World War II, those with a direct familial connection to Canada, and LGBTQ+ families.
The quickest paths to Canada are through studying in Canada, working permits for those under 35, or job offers outside of Quebec. Those seeking full citizenship may have to wait four years. Many Canadians with dual citizenship are also seeking to renounce their US citizenship, citing issues with filing taxes and political unrest.
US-based lawyer Zach Ahlstrom notes that he expects a 10-15% increase in renouncements, but warns that this process can be expensive and time-consuming, with costs ranging from $2,300 to $4,000. Additionally, individuals would need to consider ongoing financial obligations such as child support, back taxes, and property taxes.
However, it is important to note that renouncing US citizenship without having citizenship elsewhere would leave one stateless, making life more difficult. Potential applicants should consider all factors carefully before making any decisions.