October 29 that the Washington Post website of the United States published a report entitled “How the New Coronavirus Makes Relinquishing American Citizenship Nearly Impossible” on October 27.
stating that US government data shows that in the first half of 2020, there will be 5816 Americans gave up their citizenship, close to a record level. However, the interruption of consular services around the world has made it almost impossible for some Americans to stop being Americans. The full text is extracted as follows:
Peter Spiro, an expert on dual citizenship at Temple University Law School, said: “The obstacle has never been greater.”
This newspaper interviewed six American citizens overseas. They said that restrictions related to the pandemic have delayed their plan to renounce their nationality. The potential consequences are: bank accounts are closed, loans are cancelled, and personal lives are disrupted.
Fabian Le Hager, head of the “Accidental Become American Association” based in Paris, said that he is working with about 100 American citizens who want to give up their citizenship but cannot give up—he is one of them. one.
A US State Department spokesperson said privately that consular services have been reduced since March to “protect the health of our clients, our staff, and the public.” The State Department has begun “resuming routine consular services in stages.” service”.
But for many people struggling with financial difficulties, these services may come too late.
Alistair Bainbridge, an accountant in New York, said: “I talk to American citizens who want to give up their citizenship every day. Once I can make an appointment again, a large number of American citizens will give up their citizenship.”
There are many reasons for giving up the U.S. passport. Bainbridge said that based on his experience, some people want to give up their citizenship because they
“have had enough of President Trump” or because the pandemic has weakened the prestige of U.S. travel documents. A large number of people are out of tax considerations.
