Rising Trend: Thousands of Americans Renounce Citizenship

WHO:

CNN - Erin Klatt, a US citizen who renounced her citizenship.

CNN - Daan Durlacher, co-founder of Americans Overseas.

CNN - Jonathan D. Tiegerman, of Tiegerman, a US tax and legal advisory firm.

CNN - Caroline Chirichella, a dual US and Italian citizen.

CNN - Jennifer Sontag, a dual US and Italian citizen.

CNN - Brad Bernstein, president and managing partner of The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein.

CNN - Howard Lavine, a professor of political science and psychology at the University of Minnesota.

WHAT:

CNN - In 2025, there were 4,889 expatriations recorded by Americans Overseas.

CNN - The US State Department reduced the renunciation fee from $2,350 to $450.

CNN - Americans Overseas is currently advising roughly 40,000 US citizens considering renunciation.

CNN - A 15% increase in expatriations is predicted for the current year.

CNN - Klatt officially renounced her US citizenship earlier this year.

CNN - Klatt and her husband became New Zealand citizens in May 2025.

CNN - The IRS does not compile annual expatriation statistics.

WHERE:

CNN - Klatt renounced her citizenship at the US consulate in Auckland, New Zealand.

CNN - Chirichella lives in Guardia Sanframondi, Italy.

CNN - Sontag lives in Sicily, Italy.

WHEN:

CNN - Klatt paid the renunciation fee of $2,350 before the fee reduction.

CNN - Klatt received an appointment for early March 2026 to formally renounce her citizenship.

CNN - Klatt contacted the government to start the renunciation process in August 2025.

WHY:

CNN - Many Americans renounce citizenship due to financial burdens like tax requirements.

CNN - Klatt cited disillusionment with the direction of the United States under Trump as a reason for her renunciation.

CNN - Sontag stated that Trump’s election in 2016 was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for her decision to renounce.

HOW:

CNN - Renouncing US citizenship requires formal declaration, paperwork, and an in-person oath at a US embassy or consulate.

CNN - Klatt found assistance through Facebook groups during her renunciation process.

CNN - Individuals must file US tax returns from the five years prior to renouncing citizenship.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 18:08 UTC)

A notable trend is emerging as Americans Overseas reports a predicted 15% increase in expatriations this year, following 4,889 renunciations recorded in 2025. Erin Klatt, who officially renounced her US citizenship earlier this year at the US consulate in Auckland, New Zealand, cited disillusionment with the direction of the United States under Trump as a key reason for her decision. Meanwhile, Americans Overseas is currently advising around 40,000 US citizens who are contemplating renunciation, highlighting the growing concerns over financial burdens and tax requirements.