What does Trump's election victory mean for UK immigration?

The decisive election victory for Donald Trump and the Republicans in the US sent shockwaves around the world in November and has left many governments, including the UK's, contemplating the ramifications of the incoming administration to the White House. Governments aside, businesses should also be looking at the consequences of this election – and, for those in the UK, this could provide an opportunity.

With Trump's hardline rhetoric around immigration, especially cutting skilled and work-based migration, coupled with his vow to end double taxation for Americans overseas, many US businesses could contemplate expansion overseas if they are unable to source the talent they need to thrive. The ending of the taxation restrictions may also help incentivise the relocation of existing staff to alternative jurisdictions to help facilitate such a move. 

Given the combative language used by Trump and his supporters – and the general commitment to create "American jobs for American workers" – migrant workers from elsewhere around the globe are also likely to find the doors to the US closed or, at the very least, more restricted. 

UK to benefit? 

The benefit to UK employers would be that the top international destination for migrant workers, the US, will now be unavailable, according to the Migration Policy Institute. The UK may, therefore, be seen as a much more attractive and achievable destination.

Amid increasing global competition for the acquisition of talent, this could provide a boost to UK businesses – especially in sectors where it has a deficit of talent. The potential end of "double taxation" of US citizens working abroad could also encourage more of America's talent to consider living and working overseas. This may especially be considered by those young, college-educated workers in America who are disenchanted  with  recent developments in the US.

Osborne Clarke comment

According to jobseeker.com, online searches relating to UK immigration from US nationals rose by 900% between 4 November 2024 and 6 November 2024. Only time will tell, but this may be an opportunity for UK businesses to review their recruitment policies and look to the US market as one which is now more open that it has previously ever been. The full implications of this election are to be seen, but its potential impact on international businesses operating in the US could stimulate a growth in interest in moving to the UK and Europe. For workers, the decrease in restrictions to US nationals working overseas, coupled with the decrease in ability and attractiveness of the US as a relocation destination for other nationalities, could also lead to an increase in the talent pool considering the UK.