Irish actor Colm Meaney recently told Irish broadcaster Claire Byrne that he is considering returning to Ireland from the United States, citing growing political divisions and social tensions under the current U.S. climate.
Meaney described the situation as “terrifying” and criticised aspects of the U.S. immigration system and political discourse, saying there was “no way he could stay… in its current state”.
While Meaney’s remarks are rooted in his personal views and experiences, they resonate with a broader trend in the United States: an increasing number of Americans are exploring dual citizenship, second residencies, or alternative passports as a form of ‘Plan B’ amid political and economic uncertainty.
“Meaney’s reflections may be personal and politically charged, but they capture a wider shift in mindset”
Data from immigration and global mobility specialists show a marked rise in interest in second passports among U.S. citizens over the past few years. Searches related to dual citizenship and overseas relocation spiked notably around the 2024 presidential election, while advisory firms specialising in residence and citizenship programmes report record levels of enquiries from Americans seeking international options.
This interest is not limited to the ultra-wealthy. Surveys suggest that around one in five U.S. workers under 40 are open to obtaining a second passport within the next decade, driven by concerns over cost of living, healthcare, personal safety, and long-term political stability. At the same time, official figures indicate that more than five million Americans are already living abroad, reflecting a steady trend towards international mobility.
Motivations vary widely. For some, it is a reaction to political polarisation and fears about democratic backsliding. For others, the drivers are more practical: access to better healthcare systems, education for their children, or a desire for greater personal freedoms and quality of life.
The pandemic years also played a role, accelerating remote work and making geographical relocation more feasible for professionals across sectors.
Public figures and business leaders have increasingly echoed similar sentiments. Several Hollywood actors, tech entrepreneurs and financiers have spoken openly in recent years about maintaining homes or residency rights outside the United States, particularly in Europe and Canada.
While not all intend to leave permanently, many view international mobility as a form of personal risk management. Meaney’s reflections may be personal and politically charged, but they capture a wider shift in mindset.
For a growing segment of Americans, citizenship is no longer seen as a fixed, lifelong anchor, but as a flexible asset, one that can be diversified, hedged, and adapted in an increasingly uncertain world.
