Israeli Emigration Surges as Citizenship Barriers Rise in Europe and the US
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A growing number of Israelis are seeking to emigrate, but are increasingly encountering stricter citizenship requirements in key destination countries like the United States and across europe.The trend,reported Wednesday by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz,is attributed to the rise of right-wing governments globally and a broader response to recent refugee flows.
Exodus from israel Accelerates
Data from the Israeli Parliament’s Research Service,as cited by haaretz,reveals a significant shift in migration patterns. Between 2020 and 2024, more Israelis have emigrated from the country than have immigrated to it. in 2022, the number of emigrants reached 59,400 – a 44% increase over the previous year. This trend continued in 2023, with a further 39% jump to 82,800 emigrants.The outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, appears to have accelerated this departure.
European Nations Tighten Naturalization Rules
As demand for new citizenship rises, several European nations are making it more arduous to obtain.romania has increased its language proficiency requirements for naturalization, while Portugal has doubled the required period of residency from five to ten years. In Poland, the naturalization process has become both lengthier and more expensive. Several countries are also curtailing the availability of “golden visas,” which offer residency in exchange for ample investments.
Germany Remains a Relatively open Pathway
Unlike other European destinations, Germany presents a more accessible path for many Israelis seeking citizenship. Haaretz reports that stricter naturalization rules have had limited impact on Israelis, as a significant portion are eligible to claim a right of return based on their family history.
US Citizenship Applications Increase Amidst Uncertainty
The United States is also experiencing a surge in interest from Israelis seeking option citizenship options. According to a lawyer specializing in emigration, requests from Israeli parents looking to transfer US citizenship to their children have increased since the start of the war.”many wanted to have an ‘alternative plan’,” the lawyer stated. Applications for a Green card, the US permanent residency permit, have risen by 20 to 25 percent.
Notably the Haaretz article did not address reports of rising anti-Semitism and growing feelings of insecurity among Jewish communities in various countries, factors that may also be contributing to the increased emigration from Israel.
Expanded News Report:
Why are Israelis emigrating? A confluence of factors is driving the increase in emigration from Israel. The primary drivers, as reported by Haaretz, are the rise of right-wing governments globally and a broader response to recent refugee flows, creating a more competitive landscape for citizenship. The outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, significantly accelerated this trend, prompting many Israelis to seek alternative options.
Who is emigrating? The data indicates a broad increase in emigration across the board, with a notable surge in requests from Israeli parents seeking to secure US citizenship for their children. While the
