Escape from the United States (and from Trump): record questions to become English citizens

In 2024, a record number of US citizens submitted an application to obtain British citizenship. According to the data of the Ministry of the Interior of the United Kingdom, over 6,100 Americans have started the naturalization process, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year and representing the highest data ever recorded since the surveys started in 2004. But With the return of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United Sati, The trend saw a significant acceleration at the beginning of 2025, with More than 1,900 applications presented between January and March (+12% on the first quarter of the previous year), the highest quarterly ever registered quarterly.

Who are the Americans asking for British citizenship

The profile of the applicants is varied: Professionals of the Technological Sector, academicsfamilies with children and individuals with family ties in the United Kingdom. Many of them have already resided in the country for years and see a natural step in citizens to consolidate their presence.

According to the 2021 census, About 231,853 US citizens reside in the United Kingdomwith significant concentrations in London, south-east of England and Scotland. A number destined to increase considerably given the trend in progress.

The reasons to emigrate

The reasons that push Americans to request British citizenship are manifold. Among these, the search for a greater political and social stability, access to a public health system and the perception of a Better quality of life.

Some applicants have mentioned the increase in armed violence, political instability and concerns for civil rights in the United States as the main reasons for the transfer. Others underlined the importance of guaranteeing a safe future for their families in a context perceived as more inclusive and stable. According to the Guardianwho interviewed three Americans between 38 and 58 years of age, among the main reasons there is always The cost of the health system that became unsustainable for many.

This increase in citizenship applications by US citizens highlights a trend growing of qualified migration to the United Kingdom. British authorities are monitoring the phenomenon, considering both the opportunities and the challenges associated with this migratory flow.

The escape of the students

The crusade of Donald Trump against the Universities of islite American, Harvard and Columbia in the lead, contributes to increasing the number of those who say goodbye to the United States. For students, in fact, the choice of Great Britain, who has the advantage of speaking, appears to be a natural choice. Especially since the United Kingdom boasts excellent universities at a decidedly lower cost of American universities. For the next academic year 2025-26, applications for enrollment by young Americans in British universities have grown by 12% compared to the previous year, going from 5,980 to 6,680. The favorite university by Americans is St Andrews, where they studied William and Kate, which welcomes almost 20% of the members from the United States.

However, only Americans will not swell the student files of Oxford, Cambridge & Co. Wednesday the White House announced that he had forbidden visas for foreign students in Harvardaccusing the university of not providing information on admissions. And this will probably divert many Indian and Chinese boys to the United Kingdom.