US Passport Drops from Top 10 Most Powerful List for the First Time in Two Decades
The US passport has seen a significant change in its global standing, dropping from the top 10 most powerful passports for the first time in 20 years. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the US now ranks 12th, sharing this position with Malaysia.
Current Rankings and Historical Context
Last year, the US passport held the 7th position. By July, it had already slipped to 10th place. A decade ago, it topped the list. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of countries that can be accessed without a visa.
Key Rankings
- 1st: Singapore – 193 destinations
- 2nd: South Korea – 190 destinations
- 3rd: Japan – 189 destinations
- 12th: United States – 180 destinations
- 12th: Malaysia – 180 destinations
Expert Commentary on the Decline
Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, highlighted the implications of this drop. He noted that it represents a shift in global mobility and soft power. Nations showing openness and cooperation are advancing, while others clinging to old privileges are left behind.
Impact of US Immigration Policies
The decline in passport strength correlates with stricter US immigration and travel policies instituted during the Trump administration. While initial measures targeted unauthorized migration, the focus has since broadened to include crackdowns on tourism, foreign workers, and international students.
Reciprocity and Visa Access
Reciprocity is a key factor affecting passport rankings. Currently, although US passport holders can visit 180 countries visa-free, the US allows only 46 nationalities to enter without a visa. This disparity has impacted the rankings adversely.
Recent Changes in Visa Policies
- Brazil has ended visa-free entry for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens.
- China and Vietnam have excluded the US from new visa-free tourism lists.
Future Implications for US Citizens
The significant decline in the strength of the US passport has sparked an interest in dual citizenship among Americans. With many seeing standalone US citizenship as less appealing, some experts predict that acquiring additional citizenships will become increasingly common.
Peter J. Spiro, a law professor at Temple University, stated that multiple citizenship is becoming normalized in American society. The concept of dual citizenship is increasingly viewed as a new aspiration among Americans.
This evolving landscape indicates that the status of US citizenship may no longer hold the same power and privilege as it once did.
