The desire for an 'escape route' is no longer a distant concept for many Americans, as the idea of dual citizenship gains traction under the Trump administration. This shift in perspective is a stark contrast to the past, where dual citizenship was often seen as a sign of disloyalty.
Meet Daniel Kamalić, a professional tenor with the opera, who was born and raised in the heart of New York City. His life was shaped by the freedoms and opportunities that his father, Ivan Kamalić, fought hard to provide. Ivan's journey began in the 1960s when, after falling out of favor with the communist regime in Yugoslavia, he and a friend embarked on a daring escape, sailing across the Adriatic in a stolen boat with black-painted sails. Their journey ended in an Italian refugee camp, but Ivan's determination led him to the United States.
Daniel's connection to his father's homeland, now known as Croatia, grew stronger after Ivan's passing in 2011. The prospect of a second Trump administration and its potential impact on arts funding and rising antisemitism prompted Daniel to take action. He began gathering paperwork for dual citizenship with Croatia, a right he inherited from his father.
The news cycle in 2025, with its whiplash nature, further alarmed Daniel. From immigration raids to the arrest of a Palestinian rights activist, and cuts to Medicaid, the once-stable protections of the United States began to feel uncertain. Daniel's fears mirrored those of many Americans, who, in the face of political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic, are reconsidering their sense of home.
Peter Spiro, a law professor at Temple University, explains, "The political instability in the US, coupled with Covid, has made people realize there might be a reason to live elsewhere. It's highlighted the insurance value of a second citizenship, an idea that's new for Americans."
For those with a parent or grandparent born outside the US, the path to dual citizenship through jus sanguinis, or 'right of blood', is a relatively straightforward process. Many countries, including the US, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia and the Middle East, allow dual citizenship. While requirements vary, most permit citizenship to be passed down through a parent or grandparent, offering a simple route to a second passport for those eligible.
Hollis Rutledge, considering a move to his grandparents' homeland of Mexico, shares his perspective. He describes America as a place of welcome, but one that is changing. "This is disappearing, and it's made me question: what is a nation? What is a country?"
The pursuit of dual citizenship often stirs unexpected emotions. It's a journey that connects individuals to their ancestors' stories of survival and opportunity. For Texas-born Hollis, securing dual citizenship with Mexico through his mother's lineage was motivated by both economic and political factors. His grandfather, Oscar Ochoa, had to renounce his Mexican citizenship to become an American, a sacrifice that his wife, Dora Garza, refused to make until dual citizenship was recognized in Mexico.
The desire for dual citizenship is not limited to a specific demographic. Sixteen-year-old Kyla Shannon, with her German passport through her Jewish great-grandmother, feels a deeper connection to her ancestors. Mariam Diop, 24, seeks dual citizenship with Senegal, her mother's home country, driven by a desire for self-sovereignty and a belief that the US is not the right place for her right now.
The increase in Americans seeking dual citizenship is evident in the data. Applications for citizenship by descent may have grown by 500% since 2023, according to Al Jazeera. The UK reported the highest number of American applications for British citizenship in 21 years, with most using family links. This trend is a stark departure from the past, where dual citizenship was often frowned upon, with comparisons drawn to bigamy.
For Rose Freymuth-Frazier, Shannon's aunt, the path to German citizenship through Article 116 is a complex one. Her grandmother, Barbara Freymuth, was stripped of her German citizenship due to her Jewish heritage. Barbara's journey, from Switzerland to the Dominican Republic and finally to the US, reflects the challenges faced by many during the Nazi regime. Rose's own journey to German citizenship, motivated by a desire to connect with her family roots, is a reminder of the changing world and the freedom of movement that her grandmother never had.
The pursuit of dual citizenship is a personal decision, driven by a range of factors. It's a journey that connects individuals to their past, present, and future, offering a sense of belonging and the freedom to choose. As more Americans explore this option, the conversation around patriotism, identity, and the concept of home continues to evolve.
