you Americans don't know how lucky you are to be from there.
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They Charged You $2,350 to Leave. Now They’re Calling It Fair.
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TonyTigre
Well-known member
You clearly focused too much... zoom out a little... it's an ant hill... not a mountain.
Betsy Ross
Well-known member
This is a great point. I thank my lucky stars that I am American. I see this chaos in the Middle East and have a few friends stuck in that war zone. People aren't grateful enough to be born in the USA or have US citizenship.
As far as I'm concerned, anyone that gives up their US citizenship can go pound sand.
Content Provider
Active member
Yeah, totally. Nothing says “freedom” like telling people they’re not allowed to leave without your approval.
And I guess the whole point of being American is… having the right to choose—unless it’s a choice you personally don’t like?
Wild how quickly “land of the free” turns into “stay put or else.”
Cry me a river. This isn't barely anything. Only 5,000 people a year. Don't let the door hit you on the way out of the USA. That would be funny if they didn't allow them back to visit the USA.
Content Provider
Active member
Why??
That would not be nice to penalize people for wanting to end their Citizenship. I'd assume they would have various passports so they could enter on those. The US wouldn't ban entry would they?
Digital Nomad
Well-known member
Amen brother. I think about this more and more each day as the world is getting crazier.
Actually the USA can do this. I just looked it up. Scary.
The Law: The Reed Amendment
Under U.S. immigration law—specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 212(a)(10)(E), commonly known as the Reed Amendment—the government has the authority to bar a former citizen from re-entering the country.However, this ban is not automatic just because you renounced your citizenship. The law specifically states that you are only inadmissible if the U.S. government determines that you renounced your citizenship for the primary purpose of avoiding U.S. taxes.
The Reality: Almost Zero Enforcement
While the law sounds intimidating, it is virtually toothless in practice for a few key reasons:- The Burden of Proof: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the burden of proving your subjective intent—meaning they have to definitively prove what was going on in your head when you renounced.
- Lack of Agency Communication: There is currently no regulatory framework or system that allows the IRS to automatically share your financial or tax data with immigration officers at the border to prove a tax-avoidance motive.
- Historical Data: Because the government has no real way to prove your motive, the rule is almost never applied. Between 2002 and 2015, only two people were officially denied entry under this provision, and in both cases, it was because the individuals explicitly and voluntarily admitted to border agents that they renounced to dodge taxes.
The Normal Rules of Travel Apply
The much bigger hurdle for former citizens isn't the Reed Amendment; it is standard U.S. immigration law.Once you officially renounce your U.S. citizenship, you lose the unconditional right to enter the country. You become an "alien" in the eyes of the law and are treated exactly like any other foreign national.
- You will need an approved ESTA (if your new nationality qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program) or a standard U.S. visa (like a B1/B2 tourist visa) to visit.
- Just like any other tourist, you can be denied entry if a border agent believes you intend to overstay your visa, if you don't have strong financial ties to your new home country, or if you have a criminal record.
Agree this site has been super informative. I mostly lurk and just read posts. It's the only place I can come daily and find out information about Argentina. I realize life in the eyes of expats is not always too realistic as many are angry at the increased cost of living but we can balance it out.
Hate to see people angry or aggressive for no reason. I do like some content but always hate to see people aggressive for no reason.
Betsy Ross
Well-known member
I think sometimes it is difficult to undertake posts. I learned not to read too much into it.
MikeAnton
Active member
I agree they shouldn't keep increasing the price. But all in all that seems like a small price to pay to end your obligation to the USA. I wouldn't dream of giving up citizenship even if I had a strong passport.
They Charged You $2,350 to Leave. Now They’re Calling It Fair.
For years, the United States charged more money to renounce citizenship than most countries charge for literally anything citizenship-related. $2,350. To quit. To say “I’m out, I don…journeyamerica.wordpress.com
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