Outside of the asylum system, some 9,600 US citizens moved to Ireland in the 12 months to April 2025. Photograph: iStockThe number of US citizens seeking asylum in Ireland increased more than fourfold last year compared to 2024, new figures from the Department of Justice show. Ninety-four US citizens sought asylum in Ireland in 2025, up from 22 the year before. Ms Bray moved with her three dogs and a cat after an almost year-long process to secure her visa and find somewhere to live. The Trump administration was a “huge” reason for their emigration, said Ms McLoughlin, who works in clinical research.

Source: The Irish Times January 15, 2026 12:01 UTC