In response to Zoe Williams’ recent article on Americans renouncing their citizenship amidst growing disillusionment with the U.S. government, readers shared their personal stories and perspectives on this increasingly common decision.
"I Did It in 2012—And Don’t Regret It"
As a U.S. citizen living in the UK for over 50 years, I renounced my citizenship in 2012. It was not solely because of Donald Trump, but because of mounting bureaucratic hassles, particularly after the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) was passed in 2010. FATCA made life for U.S. citizens abroad increasingly difficult, as many foreign institutions began refusing to offer services to Americans due to the extra paperwork required. Though the renunciation process was costly and time-consuming, I’ve never looked back. Unfortunately, the U.S. is no longer a country to feel proud of.
— Name and address supplied
"It’s More About Practicality Than Politics"
Having practiced U.S. immigration law for years, I’ve seen firsthand that political frustration alone doesn’t usually drive people to renounce their citizenship. Instead, most people I’ve worked with are simply tired of the administrative burden of being a U.S. citizen living abroad. The complexity of managing U.S. taxes, regulations, and the limitations on financial services make life significantly harder. The decision often comes down to convenience, not politics.
— Susan Willis McFadden, London
"California Is Still My Home, Despite Everything"
I understand the frustration with the current administration, but I’ve never considered renouncing my citizenship. California will always be home, and I refuse to abandon my country, especially during such a critical time. Even though the tax burden and disenfranchisement can be frustrating for expats, renouncing would mean giving up even the smallest lever of influence I have, including the right to vote. I won’t give that up, even in the face of rising authoritarianism.
— Name and address supplied
"I Don’t Regret It—But It’s Complicated"
I moved to Norway and renounced my U.S. citizenship in 2011, driven primarily by frustration with U.S. tax laws that felt intrusive, especially regarding my non-resident spouse. Though I don’t regret my decision, my son, now a dual citizen, faces the complexities of U.S. draft registration. I’m also considering applying for Canadian citizenship as a backup plan. But overall, I’m living my best life in a peaceful, prosperous country—so, no regrets.
— Shea Sundstøl, Lunde, Norway
"Renouncing Citizenship Doesn’t Stop Authoritarianism"
It’s crucial to remember that renouncing U.S. citizenship won’t protect you from the rise of authoritarianism. The far right is gaining ground in many parts of the world, including Europe. Renouncing citizenship doesn’t absolve anyone from the responsibility to fight against the forces of tyranny, whether in the U.S. or abroad.
— Name and address supplied
"A Hard Decision, But One I Understand"
As the parent of three adult children who are “accidental Americans” due to their father’s U.S. citizenship, I’m saddened by the burden this has placed on them. It’s particularly difficult for those with lower incomes, as navigating U.S. tax requirements is costly and complicated. While two of my children have already renounced their citizenship, one is still in the process. It’s painful to see something I thought would be an advantage turn into a financial and administrative nightmare for them.
— Name and address supplied
"Hold Off on Renouncing—Your Vote Matters"
To all U.S. citizens living abroad—please consider holding off on renouncing your citizenship until after the next elections. Your vote in federal elections matters, especially in close races where a few hundred votes can tip the scales. With everything at stake, now is not the time to walk away. Use your vote to help stop the current authoritarian drift in the U.S.
— Irisita Azary, Heidelberg, Germany
"I’ll Take the Benefits, But I Won’t Abandon the Country"
As a working-class American, I understand the desire to renounce citizenship out of frustration with the government, but I can't bring myself to do it. I’ve paid into Social Security for years, and I’m not about to walk away from that benefit. Despite the U.S.'s flaws, I’ll take what I can from it and move on with my life. But I’ll also be holding onto my citizenship for practical reasons, including my retirement benefits.
— Name and address supplied
"I’m Standing My Ground"
I may be living in a country with a lot of its own issues, but I refuse to run away from the U.S. just because I disagree with the direction it’s heading. As someone who has faced the harsh realities of police abuse and political division, I’m staying here and continuing to fight for what I believe is right. Renouncing citizenship is an easy way out, but I’m not giving up on my country that easily.
— Name and address supplied
As the debate over renouncing U.S. citizenship continues to rise, these diverse responses show the complexities of such a decision. Whether motivated by politics, practicality, or personal values, the decision to renounce remains a deeply personal one—and one that many, for various reasons, are still grappling with.
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