Americans Seek Second Passports as US Passport Power Declines in 2026
A Growing Exodus: Americans Seek Alternative Residency as Passport Power Declines
The allure of a U.S. Passport, long synonymous with global freedom of movement, is waning for a growing number of Americans. Driven by concerns over political instability, increasingly restrictive travel policies imposed on the U.S., and a desire for more affordable healthcare, a surge in inquiries for alternative residency and citizenship programs is underway. New indices released by Henley & Partners in February 2026 reveal the most sought-after “golden visas” and citizenship-by-investment options, as demand from Americans reaches record levels. The trend reflects a broader shift in global mobility, where a single passport is no longer considered sufficient security for a segment of the population.
The Numbers Share the Story
Henley & Partners reported a staggering 183% increase in inquiries from Americans regarding second passports and residency programs between the first three months of 2024 and 2025. This surge translated into a 67% increase in actual applications by the end of September 2025, with Americans accounting for 30% of the company’s total applicant pool. Portugal experienced a particularly significant influx, with 50% more Americans becoming residents in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data from Portugal’s immigration agency, AIMA. Italy has also seen applications double over the past two years. Greece is emerging as a particularly attractive option, largely due to the absence of the administrative backlogs that have plagued Portugal’s golden visa program.
Europe Remains a Primary Destination
While global options exist, Europe continues to dominate as the preferred destination for Americans seeking alternative residency. Portugal’s golden visa program, despite its administrative challenges, remains popular. Italy and Greece are rapidly gaining traction. The Henley & Partners Global Residence Program Index 2026 ranks Greece first, followed by Italy, Switzerland, and Portugal. This preference is driven by a combination of factors, including quality of life, access to healthcare, and relatively straightforward application processes. However, the landscape is constantly evolving, and other countries are actively seeking to attract high-net-worth individuals and families.
Beyond Investment: Motivations for Relocation
The motivations driving this trend extend beyond mere financial investment. While golden visa programs typically require a significant financial commitment – often through real estate purchases or capital investments – the underlying reasons are multifaceted. Political stability, affordable healthcare, and expanded travel freedoms are consistently cited as primary concerns. A 2025 Harris poll revealed that nearly half of all Americans, and two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennial respondents, expressed interest in obtaining dual citizenship. Concerns about personal safety and the protection of rights, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, are contributing to the growing desire for a “Plan B.” Here’s evidenced by suggestions that this sentiment is high among LGBTQ+ Americans who are concerned about their safety and the continuation of their rights.
The Declining Power of the U.S. Passport
The shift in American attitudes towards second passports coincides with a demonstrable decline in the power of the U.S. Passport itself. Over the past year, the U.S. Has lost visa-free access to seven nations, a reciprocal response to restrictions imposed on travelers entering the United States. Brazil’s recent reintroduction of visa requirements for American citizens serves as a stark example of this trend. The U.S. Passport now ranks 10th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, a significant drop from its consistent position within the top ten over the previous two decades. This decline underscores a broader perception that the U.S., once a global leader in freedom of movement, is becoming increasingly restrictive.
The Proposed Exclusive Citizenship Act and its Unintended Consequences
Adding another layer of complexity is the proposed Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, which would require Americans to relinquish any additional citizenships within one year of obtaining them. While the bill’s passage remains unlikely, its very introduction has had an unexpected effect: accelerating applications for alternative residency and citizenship. The act highlights a disconnect between certain segments of the U.S. Political landscape and the global norm, as the MACIMIDE Global Expatriate Dual Citizenship Dataset demonstrates that 75% of countries allow their citizens to hold multiple nationalities without requiring them to forfeit their original citizenship.
Ancestry Programs and the Search for Roots
Beyond golden visa programs, many Americans are exploring ancestry-based citizenship options. An estimated 30 million U.S. Citizens may be eligible for passports in other countries based on their familial heritage. However, obtaining these passports often involves navigating complex paperwork and increasingly stringent eligibility requirements. The process can be lengthy and expensive, but the appeal of reclaiming ancestral ties and securing a second passport remains strong.
What’s Confirmed vs. Unconfirmed
It is confirmed that applications for golden visas and citizenship-by-investment programs have surged among Americans, particularly in Portugal, Italy, and Greece. The decline in the U.S. Passport’s ranking in the Henley Passport Index is also a confirmed trend. However, precise figures regarding the total number of dual U.S. Citizens remain unofficial, with estimates ranging from 500,000 to 10 million. The ultimate fate of the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 remains uncertain.
Looking ahead, the trend of Americans seeking alternative residency and citizenship is likely to continue. The confluence of factors – a weakening U.S. Passport, political instability, healthcare concerns, and a desire for greater global mobility – suggests that this is not a temporary phenomenon. As more countries embrace multiple citizenships and offer attractive investment migration programs, the appeal of a “Plan B” will only grow stronger. The U.S. Immigration landscape and evolving global dynamics will continue to shape this trend, prompting individuals and families to reassess their long-term security and freedom of movement.