
Why Americans Abroad Are Renouncing Citizenship in Record Numbers
Americans renouncing citizenship surged to 4,889 in 2025—the highest since 2020—driven largely by FATCA tax burdens and political/personal motives. The process is lengthy and costly, though the fee dropped from $2,350 to $450 in 2026. Personal stories, like Erin Klatt moving to New Zealand and Jennifer Sontag in Sicily, illustrate the mix of identity and practicality, while experts warn that giving up US citizenship can limit future mobility and requires having another citizenship; many so‑called accidental Americans are affected by FATCA and its banking/financial implications.




