‘This little gift’: Americans are racing to abandon their citizenship after a neighbor changed their laws

Millions of Americans are currently rushing to secure dual Canadian citizenship following a significant change in how Canada handles its descent laws. Since the new regulations took effect, immigration attorneys have been inundated with requests from people eager to prove they have a direct Canadian ancestor. It turns out that for many, this process is less about a new application and more about confirming a status they technically held their entire lives.

Per AP News, the law used to only allow citizenship to be passed down through one generation. Now, anyone born before December 15, 2025, can claim citizenship if they can prove they have a Canadian ancestor, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent. For those born on or after that date, the requirement is that their Canadian parent must have lived in the country for 1,095 days. 

Immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer, who advocated for this change in parliament, notes that applicants are really just seeking official recognition of a right they already possess. He compared it to a baby born in Canada, who has birthright citizenship, even without a physical certificate in hand.

There is so much here to unpack

The response from the public has been overwhelming. Nicholas Berning, an immigration lawyer based in Washington, mentioned that his office is currently flooded with these cases. He and his team have even shifted other work aside just to keep up with the demand. This surge is driven by a mix of factors, including family heritage, job opportunities, and political climate. 

For people like Zack Loud, who lives in Minnesota, discovering that he and his siblings were already considered citizens by Canada came as a complete surprise. He mentioned that he and his wife were already looking into jobs outside the country, so this development pushed Canada to the top of their list.

For some, the motivation is more urgent. Maureen Sullivan from Florida called the news “this little gift that fell in my lap,” noting that her family felt a sense of collective excitement about having a backup plan if things go south in the US. The family was left very shaken after her teenage nephew had a scary encounter with federal officers in Minnesota. 

Others, like Michelle Cunha, are looking for a change after years of political activism. She shared that she felt she had “nothing left to give,” stating, “I put in my best effort for 30 years. I have done everything that I possibly can to make the United States what it promises the world to be, a place of freedom, a place of equality. But clearly we’re not there and we’re not going to get there anytime soon.” 

Similarly, Troy Hicks from Nevada felt the need for a change after a trip to Australia, where he encountered immediate negative reactions regarding the United States. He explained that traveling with a Canadian passport just seemed more palatable.

There is one key thing to consider: the Trump Administration is trying to ban dual citizenship. Which begs the question, while Trump brings in white ‘refugees,’ will actual Americans move away?