The number of United States citizens seeking Irish citizenship has seen a significant surge following the start of Donald Trump’s second presidential term. In 2025, a record 18,910 applicants sought citizenship through the foreign birth register (FBR).
A Record Increase in Applications
The 2025 figures represent a 63 per cent increase over the 11,601 applications recorded in 2024, which was the final year of Joe Biden’s presidency. This number is as well more than double the 7,726 US citizens who sought Irish passports in 2023.
The FBR allows individuals to claim Irish citizenship if they have a parent or grandparent born in Ireland. Holding Irish citizenship provides the legal right to live and work anywhere within the European Union.
Historical Trends and Political Shifts
In 2015, only 2,064 Americans applied for FBR status. This rose to 5,399 at the beginning of Donald Trump’s first term in 2017, with a total of 20,172 people applying throughout that entire term.
Carol Sinnott, chairperson of the Irish Immigration Lawyers Association and an immigration lawyer, noted that demand spiked after the November 2024 election and peaked following the January 2025 inauguration.
Migration and the “Plan B” Strategy
Sinnott explained that many clients now view obtaining an Irish passport as a priority, seeking a “contingency plan for a safer and less hostile society.” She stated that many consultants find US citizens feel their country no longer reflects their values.
Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicates that nearly 10,000 Americans moved to Ireland in 2025, compared to 4,900 in 2024. This is a notable increase over the annual average of approximately 5,000 movers.
Some of these individuals are seeking Stamp 0 permission, which is available to those with sufficient independent means. This pathway is frequently used by those wishing to retire in Ireland.
Rise in Asylum Requests
Beyond citizenship by descent, there has been a sharp increase in Americans seeking asylum. According to figures from Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, requests rose from 22 in 2024 to 94 in 2025.
Sinnott identified the Trump administration’s stance on transgender people as the primary driver for this increase. This follows executive orders issued by the president restricting gender-affirming care in healthcare facilities that receive federal funding.
Given current patterns, Sinnott expects the steady stream of US applicants to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Foreign Birth Register (FBR)?
The FBR is the mechanism used by individuals seeking to claim Irish citizenship through a parent or grandparent who was born in Ireland.
Why are more US citizens seeking asylum in Ireland?
According to immigration lawyer Carol Sinnott, the principal driver is the Trump administration’s attitude toward transgender people, specifically executive orders restricting access to gender-affirming care in federally funded healthcare facilities.
What are the benefits of holding an Irish passport?
Irish citizenship allows individuals the right to live and work anywhere within the European Union.
Do you believe the trend of seeking “contingency” citizenship will increase globally in response to political shifts?
