Learn more about these living fossils from millions of years ago
A US passport is one of the world's most powerful documents. But a lot of people don’t want to be associated with it and are voluntarily renouncing their US citizenship. In fact, in 2024, around 5,000 individuals turned their backs on the United States. But how easy is it to cut ties with the US, and what are the consequences of doing so?
Click through the following gallery and find out what happens when you give up your US citizenship.
In 2024, nearly 5,000 individuals officially renounced their US citizenship, according to a February 2025 notice from the Internal Revenue Service published in the Federal Register.
In 2009, renunciations of US citizenship was under 750 per year. So why this upward trend, and what are the consequences of making such a move?
Americans renouncing or losing their citizenship both result in them no longer being US citizens.
Loss of US citizenship is a serious and generally irrevocable act. It cannot be canceled or set aside without successful administrative or judicial appeal.
Yet despite the implications, in the last decade a growing number of US citizens have been voluntarily renouncing their citizenship. But why are so many people feeling compelled to explore this option?
The United States is experiencing one of the most turbulent periods in recent history.
As the political landscape of the country continues to evolve, many individuals are contemplating what to do about their future.
The uncertainties surrounding the government's policy directions, such as on immigration, climate change, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights, have made many question their allegiance to the flag.
Other reasons include the financial freedom renouncing citizenship affords.
American citizens living abroad are taxed by the US and their country of residence on the same income. This is known as double taxation.
Although tax treaties between the US and particular countries can reduce this burden, they don't eliminate it entirely.
Some people therefore renounce US citizenship to escape complex tax obligations. For Americans earning and investing abroad, renouncing can mean keeping more of their money, thus avoiding IRS scrutiny and gaining full financial control.
An accidental American is one that holds dual citizenship with the United States and another country without realizing their US citizenship status.
These individuals were either born in the US but left when they were young, or were born abroad to US parents and became citizens without ever living in the United States.
Even though they might only have minimal personal or cultural ties to the United States, an accidental American still faces the same tax obligations as any other US citizen.
Failure to file and pay US taxes can mean paying thousands of dollars in penalties. This reason alone is enough for some to renounce their US citizenship.
Family and career commitments can sometimes prompt renunciation of citizenship. Building a life often involves settling down, marrying, and raising children. As previously outlined, dual citizenship can complicate legal and financial matters, leading some to simply turn their backs on the United States.
People who renounce their US citizenship lose all rights and privileges associated with being a US citizen.
These privileges include the right to live and work in the United States, and access to US consular services.
Renunciation also results in being unable to pass citizenship to your children.
Renouncing US citizenship means the loss of your passport. The American passport in 2025 is ranked 9th among global passports, according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index.
Former US citizens will need a visa to travel to the United States, and there's no guarantee of entry, especially if you have any legal or financial issues with the US government.
In fact, renouncing your US citizenship doesn't immediately cancel your tax obligations.
You are still required to file a final tax return covering income up to the date of renunciation, and all previous tax responsibilities must be settled before the IRS considers your renunciation complete.
Renouncing citizenship does not exempt you from potential prosecution for crimes committed or financial obligations incurred while a US citizen.
Americans bidding farewell to their citizenship may also be liable for exit tax. Also known as an expatriation tax, it essentially looks at all untaxed assets and creates a final lump sum, that is then paid to the inland revenue service.
Taking an oath of renunciation is the most unequivocal way in which a person can manifest an intention to relinquish US nationality.
Documentation required to ensure a smooth and successful renunciation process includes proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.), all completed forms, and if you hold another nationality, your foreign passport as proof of your dual citizenship.
The renunciation process is carried out during a scheduled appointment at a US embassy or consulate.
Remember that before officially becoming a non-US citizen, you must first obtain a second passport or citizenship from another country. Not to do so may render you "stateless."
Sources: (NNU Immigration) (USA.gov) (U.S. Department of State) (IRS) (Expat Tax Online)
Why are some Americans renouncing their citizenship?
How easy is it to cut ties with the United States?
LIFESTYLE Society
A US passport is one of the world's most powerful documents. But a lot of people don’t want to be associated with it and are voluntarily renouncing their US citizenship. In fact, in 2024, around 5,000 individuals turned their backs on the United States. But how easy is it to cut ties with the US, and what are the consequences of doing so?
Click through the following gallery and find out what happens when you give up your US citizenship.