Trumpugees wish Ireland would relax its rules on immigration

Housing crisis & expenses seen as major drawbacks

- BY LYNNE KELLEHER

RISING numbers of Trumpugees are exploring relocation to Ireland but they are finding the country’s welcoming reputation doesn’t extend to its immigration laws.

While English-speaking countries like Ireland, the UK and Canada top the list for prospective American emigrants, countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal offer far less restrictive entry pathways.

So far this year, the number of US applicants for Foreign Birth Registrations a pathway to Irish citizenship for those with Irish grandparents - has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year.

By the end of May, more than 8,000 Americans had applied under the so-called "granny rule," hoping to secure the coveted Irish passport.

Jana Sanchez, a former US congressional nominee and founder of GTFO Tours, says Ireland consistently ranks high on the wish list of Americans considering emigration.

"The first countries that most Americans would think of to move to are English-speaking countries, like Canada, the UK, Ireland.".

But she added: "They don't really want Americans. You're the hardest countries to go to, unless you're a nurse or a scientist."

A key obstacle is Ireland's high passive income visa requirement, which she says is used by about half of American emigrants.

"They are retirees or have made enough money. For a couple, you need €100,000 a year in passive income to get a visa," Sanchez explained. "Compare that to Portugal, where it's about €10,000 per person - around €15,000 for a couple."

"Ireland also has a huge housing crisis, and it's just much more expensive."