More than 6,600 US citizens applied for British citizenship or indefinite residency in the UK during the 12 months leading up to March, marking the highest recorded figure since 2004, according to UK Home Office data.
Over 1,900 applications were submitted between January and March 2025, coinciding with the start of Donald Trump’s second presidency. This surge represents the highest quarterly total on record.
The rise comes amid efforts by Britain’s Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to reduce immigration, with Starmer warning uncontrolled immigration could divide the nation. Net migration to the UK dropped by nearly half in 2024.
US immigration lawyers attribute the increase to the polarized political climate under Trump’s administration. Muhunthan Paramesvaran of Wilsons Solicitors noted “an uptick in inquiries from US nationals” seeking dual citizenship as a safety net. Zeena Luchowa of Laura Devine Immigration said many inquiries focus on relocation rather than citizenship. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to introduce stricter language requirements and faster qualification for some applicants.