Carys Cassidy, a 35-year-old transgender woman from Denver, always considered relocating from the United States. The idea of moving to Europe persisted since childhood and intensified as she aged.
“When discussing the cultural and political climate here and its divisions, I felt those existed even before Donald Trump,” Cassidy shared with Newsweek. “Social mobility in the U.S. lags behind Europe.”
Cassidy perceived the U.S. as a nation where work dominates life. Attempts at self-improvement often bring financial burdens or demand sacrifices in housing or experiences.
Europe appeared to offer Cassidy a chance to breathe freely and pursue her dreams. Discovering Luxembourgish ancestry, dating back to a great-great-great-great-grandfather, opened a path to citizenship. Luxembourg’s laws allow this through an unbroken male line from an ancestor born in Luxembourg in 1815 or later. Women can pass citizenship to children born on or after January 1, 1969.
The process of gathering documents took Cassidy a year, presenting the greatest challenge.
The Luxembourg citizenship process does not involve language testing or mandatory visits. In March, amid her transition, Cassidy achieved her Luxembourgish citizenship and moved to Sweden. “I left immediately due to concerns over a possible second Trump administration,” she noted.
Rising Applications Post-Trump’s Return
Many Americans are pursuing Luxembourg citizenship since Donald Trump returned to the White House, seeking “Plan B” passports during political unrest.
The first year of Trump’s new term saw 3,574 Americans gain Luxembourgish citizenship according to national records, marking a peak since tracking began. However, only 657 were recorded by the Ministry of Justice as new applications, mainly through voluntary channels. Others inherited citizenship, with either a Luxembourgish parent or under right of soil if born before April 1948.
Cassidy’s voluntary application was part of this increase, up 40% compared to the previous year. Daniel Atz, a dual Luxembourg-U.S. citizen, observed the trend through his advisory platform.
Transformation Through Ancestry
Atz, originally from Nebraska, aspired to live in Europe. Luxembourg’s 2008 nationality law permitted descendants of citizens as of January 1, 1900, to reclaim citizenship. A similar 2017 law extends this until 2025.
His great-grandmother, Marguerite Kruchten, was born in Luxembourg and relocated to Kansas post-World War I. During his citizenship process, Atz reconnected with his European family, particularly a cousin, Annette, who became a valued “Luxembourgish grandmother.” This deeply enriched Atz’s life.
“Obtaining my Luxembourgish citizenship completely transformed my life,” he expressed to Newsweek.
As an early adopter of this citizenship path, Atz aids many Americans through luxcitizenship.com. He noted a rise in applications with Trump’s election.
“In 2016, applications surged from 200 over eight years to several hundred annually,” he reported. “Currently, 900 Americans secure Luxembourgish citizenship quarterly.”
Data from early October indicated 23,690 Luxembourg citizens residing in the U.S. as of September end, a figure exceeding the 22,925 in neighboring Germany.
Staying Stateside, a Backup Plan
A surge in citizenship applications does not equate to mass relocations to Luxembourg. For many, a European passport serves as a contingency during political or economic upheaval. It also provides EU access.
“Most are relocating to other Schengen nations, not Luxembourg,” Atz explained. “Fewer than 5% have actual plans to settle there.”
Luxembourg’s expense and limited job diversity deter potential movers. Many choose Spain, Portugal, or France instead.
Cassidy desires to settle in Luxembourg eventually but remained undecided financially. Back in the U.S. during Newsweek’s interview, she conveyed her fears aligning with her transition and the present U.S. environment.
As Americans increasingly seek second passports abroad, renunciation of U.S. citizenship also rises. While Cassidy considers this, she retains “hope as an American” for positive political shifts.
“Much has gone wrong, yet maybe the upcoming election will deliver good outcomes,” she speculated. “This optimism embodies the American spirit, hoping for a favorable resolution.”
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