US slashes citizenship renunciation fee to $450 after years of legal battles
The cost of giving up US citizenship has dropped sharply after years of legal battles. The fee will fall from $2,350 to $450, following a long campaign by the Association of Accidental Americans (AAA). The change takes effect next month for those with renunciation appointments scheduled on or after April 12.
The US State Department published the final rule in the Federal Register on March 13. It confirmed the reduced fee would apply 30 days later. The lower charge covers the 'Certificate of Loss of Nationality' issued at US embassies or consulates abroad.
The AAA and several 'accidental Americans' first challenged the high fee in December 2020. Their complaint argued that the $2,350 cost was unconstitutional. Many members of the group had criticised US rules on bank reporting and tax filings, which they found burdensome. Fabien Lehagre, president of the AAA, called the fee cut a 'historic victory' after six years of advocacy. Meanwhile, a State Department spokesperson stated the administration remains committed to upholding the integrity of American citizenship. No official figures exist on how many US-born citizens have renounced their nationality since the 2023 fee reduction announcement. There is also no data on which countries have seen the highest numbers doing so.
The new $450 fee will apply from April 12 for all renunciation appointments booked on or after that date. The change follows sustained pressure from campaigners who argued the previous cost was excessive. The State Department has not indicated whether further adjustments to citizenship policies are planned.
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