The findings highlight rising anxieties around personal security in one of the world’s most powerful nations, where the concerns such as violent crime, gun violence, social unrest, and political polarisation mount risk on everyday life.
Our 2025 Global Safety Index measures personal safety in daily life, assessing factors such as protection from violent crime, political stability, and broader societal risks. The United States’ relatively low ranking has triggered debate about the country’s ability to provide its citizens with the level of safety they expect in comparison to other developed nations.
The report noted that safety concerns in the US have become a driving factor for many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to seek “backup plans” through second citizenship. By securing an alternative nationality, wealthy Americans aim to access safe havens that provide not only personal security but also political and economic stability.
According to the report, applications for second citizenship have surged among American HNWIs, particularly in recent years. Analysts point to growing domestic polarisation, mass shootings, and heightened political divisions as major contributors to the trend. For many, second citizenship represents a safeguard, a means to protect families, assets, and long-term plans in times of uncertainty.
Findings from 2025 Global Safety Index
Our Global Safety Index Index forms a key component of the broader World Citizenship Report It evaluates the priorities and motivations of global citizens. Notably the WCR is our annual study under which the the 2025 Global Safety is launched.
The World Citizenship Report emphasised that safety is no longer just a preference but a critical criterion in citizenship decisions. Where once financial mobility and visa-free access dominated the conversation around global citizenship, the current environment shows a marked shift toward stability, security, and peace of mind.
“High-net-worth individuals increasingly seek safe havens to live, invest, and raise families. The Global Safety Index underscores that safety is a decisive factor in shaping the future of citizenship planning”, said Micha Rose Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners.
The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and close ally of US political leadership, has reignited debate about safety in America. The killing of such a high-profile figure, despite visible security measures, has underscored the growing risks of political violence in the United States and deepened concerns over personal safety, even among those at the highest levels of public life.
What the Index Says About Small Island States
Experts suggest that the findings reflect not just American concerns but a broader global sentiment. By comparison, several smaller Caribbean nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda, continue to perform well in our 2025 Global Safety Index Index.
Despite their size, these countries offers political stability, low crime rates, and emphasis on community-driven living, offering a stark contrast to larger nations grappling with social unrest and security challenges.
Increasingly, a significant number of Americans are now opting for alternative citizenship in these island nations, which are just a four-hour flight away and widely regarded as safe and welcoming destinations.
In an era defined by geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, and rising social tensions, personal safety has emerged as one of the most valuable assets. For many wealthy individuals, diversifying their citizenship portfolio has become as crucial as diversifying financial investments.
As the United States grapples with its domestic challenges, the World Citizenship Report serves as a reminder that global citizens are increasingly seeking options beyond borders where safety, stability, and security can be assured.
