VANCOUVER, British Columbia – As the U.S. experiences increasing political polarization, surveillance scandals, and economic uncertainty, more Americans actively consider life beyond their national borders. The question no longer sounds radical—Where do Americans go when they want to leave the United States for good?
Many U.S. citizens seek second passports, long-term residencies, and international banking options. According to the Migration Policy Institute, American emigration has doubled over the last decade.
Amicus International Consulting, a firm specializing in legal identity change and global mobility strategies, has seen a 60% increase in applications for second citizenship and relocation support since 2023.
“We’re seeing an unprecedented wave of Americans looking not just to travel, but to relocate, protect assets, and future-proof their freedom,” said a senior advisor at Amicus. “For some, it’s tax-driven. For others, it’s privacy. But the constant is this: They no longer feel secure keeping all their ties in the U.S.”
Why Americans Are Leaving: A Convergence of Crises
For many, leaving is not impulsive—it’s strategic. Amicus’ internal research shows that clients cite a combination of concerns:
- Rising political polarization and fear of civil unrest
- Digital surveillance by both the government and private tech giants
- Record-high national debt and fears of capital controls or taxation spikes
- Inaccessible healthcare or exorbitant medical costs
- Desire for greater freedom, global lifestyle, and privacy protections
“I felt like I was being watched every time I used my phone, taxed every time I moved money, and ignored every time I voted,” said one client. “Amicus helped me create a real Plan B.”
Case Study: New York Lawyer Relocates to Uruguay
Angela F., a corporate attorney from New York, grew increasingly anxious about political instability and media polarization. In 2023, she began working remotely from Montevideo, Uruguay. With Amicus’s assistance, she obtained permanent residency and opened foreign bank accounts for her firm.
“I still work with American clients,” Angela said. “But I no longer feel trapped by American chaos. Uruguay gave me a calm legal framework and a future for my children.”
Top Destinations for American Expatriates in 2025
Amicus has identified the most popular destinations for U.S. clients based on visa accessibility, banking privacy, safety, and political neutrality:
🔹 Portugal
Top for EU access, Golden Visa programs, and lifestyle.
🔹 Mexico
Convenient for proximity, cost of living, and temporary residency options.
🔹 Panama
No tax on foreign income and easy re-domiciliation for retirees and entrepreneurs.
🔹 Grenada, Dominica, and St. Kitts
Second citizenship with visa-free access to 140+ countries, often processed in under 4 months.
🔹 Georgia (Caucasus)
Allows Americans to stay for 365 days visa-free, with banking systems outside of FATCA’s reach.
🔹 United Arab Emirates
Business-friendly, zero-income tax, and offers digital nomad visa options.
Emerging Trend: Wealth Protection and Offshore Structuring
Beyond relocation, many Americans are now asking how to protect their assets from litigation, seizure, or aggressive tax regimes. Amicus offers jurisdictional relocation strategies that include:
- Foreign trusts and bank accounts
- Asset-protective second passports
- Re-domiciling companies overseas
- New Tax Identification Numbers (TINS) tied to a second citizenship
“Many clients aren’t trying to run from obligations,” said an Amicus analyst. “They’re trying to diversify legally so they’re not exposed to just one government’s policies.”
Case Study: Retired Law Enforcement Officer Chooses St. Lucia
John P., a former police officer from Ohio, retired in 2022 and moved to St. Lucia after watching political protests turn violent in multiple U.S. cities. Through Amicus, he secured citizenship, transferred part of his pension to an offshore account, and bought a small villa on the island.
“I served my country for decades,” John said. “But I wanted to retire somewhere stable and neutral—and St. Lucia welcomed me like family.”
Are Second Passports the Future?
Amicus believes so. The firm predicts that by 2030, over 15 million Americans will hold a second citizenship or legal residency abroad.
The most common second passport programs include:
- Donation routes (St. Kitts, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda)
- Real estate investment (Grenada, Portugal, Turkey)
- Descent and bloodline citizenship (Ireland, Italy, Poland)
- Economic migration visas (UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Uruguay)
Legal Identity Change: The Last Frontier
Amicus also provides legal identity change services for clients who face political persecution, whistleblower threats, or personal security issues, including new names, birth records, and non-U.S. residency frameworks.
“Some clients just want a clean break,” said an Amicus caseworker. “We offer discreet, legally compliant solutions to people who need to disappear.”
What Lies Ahead?
As geopolitical conflict, digital monitoring, and economic instability continue to intensify, Amicus anticipates that Americans will increasingly:
- Seek lifestyle independence and tax protection abroad
- Use second passports to access financial systems and safe havens
- Build ‘sovereign families’ with multi-jurisdictional protections
- Escape limitations imposed by domestic travel or sanctions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live abroad without giving up U.S. citizenship?
Yes. Most countries allow Americans to retain U.S. citizenship while becoming residents or second passport holders.
Is a second passport legal?
Yes. Dual nationality is permitted under U.S. and international law. Amicus works only through government-authorized channels.
What does it cost?
Caribbean citizenship starts at $100,000.
EU residencies: from $150,000 to $600,000.
Panama, Mexico, and Uruguay offer low-cost, high-stability relocation options.
How long does it take?
CBI: 3–6 months.
Residency visas: 3–9 months.
EU citizenship through residency: 5+ years.
About Amicus International Consulting
Amicus International Consulting provides strategic second citizenship, legal identity transformation, and global relocation services for individuals and families who seek more than borders. With operations in over 60 countries, Amicus empowers clients with the freedom to move, live, and invest globally—legally and securely.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
