Americans Flock to the UK
A record number of Americans are seeking to live and work in the UK. Over 6,600 applied for citizenship or residency in the past year. This is the highest number since records began in 2004.
The UK’s Home Office reports that 1,900 Americans applied for citizenship between January and March. This surge happened after Donald Trump became President. Many Americans are looking for a backup plan. They want to hold dual citizenship in case they don’t want to return to the US.
Why the Sudden Interest?
The number of Americans seeking UK residency has risen. This might not be directly related to politics. Many applicants have family ties or are married to UK citizens. The UK government has also changed its rules, making it easier for people to apply.
Immigration lawyer Muhsin Premawarman says his firm has seen an increase in inquiries from Americans. “People are thinking, ‘I want a backup plan in case I don’t want to go back to the US’.”
The UK government is trying to reduce immigration. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised to take back control of the country’s borders. He warned that uncontrolled immigration could turn the UK into a “country of strangers.”
Despite this, the number of Americans seeking UK citizenship or residency continues to rise. In 2023, 5,521 Americans applied to live in the UK. Most of these applicants had family ties or were married to UK citizens.
The trend may not be entirely political. The UK government has extended the qualifying period for residency from 5 to 10 years. This change might have contributed to the increase in applications.
Source: The Guardian