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Americans Helping Americans Abroad for Over 50 Years!

AARO in the News

AARO in the News

AARO is frequently cited in newspapers, magazines and online media.

Citations

Here is a selection of recent publications where AARO is mentioned or quoted.

CATO Institute: “Election Policy Roundup” By Walter Olson, April 13, 2026.
This article references AARO’s “State of Play” white paper. The article highlights its analysis of how recent U.S. legislative and legal developments could impact the voting rights of Americans abroad and drawing attention to the growing challenges they face.

The Root: “Why A League of Voting Rights Group Are Challenging Trump’s Latest Executive Order on Mail-in Ballots” by Mahalia Otshudy, April 5, 2026.
This article reports that a coalition of voting rights organizations, including AARO, is challenging an executive order by Donald Trump on mail-in ballots, arguing it could restrict voter access and undermine established voting rights protections.

The Washington Post: “Democrats, voter rights groups file lawsuits on Trump order on mail ballots” By Mariana Alfaro, April 2, 2026.
This article mentions the recent lawsuit filed by AARO, among other voter rights groups, against Trump’s new order to eliminate accessible voting options for American citizens overseas.

The American: “Donations to AARO Can Now Be Tax-Deductible” by the Editorial Team, March 24, 2026.
The article explains that donations to AARO will be tax-deductible donations from U.S. taxpayers through Friends of Fondation de France. This allows Americans to support AARO’s work advocating for citizens abroad while benefiting from tax deductions.

Citizenship Solutions: “U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders Residing in Canada and Abroad” by John Richardson, March 7, 2026.
The article describes AARO’s warnings that new U.S. laws and proposals could restrict voting rights for Americans abroad by adding stricter requirements and barriers. Its white paper calls for action to protect overseas voters from potential disenfranchisement.

U.S. News: “U.S. Tells Citizens in the Middle East to Leave. But How?” By Olivier Knox, March 5, 2026.
This article cites President of AARO, Doris Speer, noting that nearly 400,000 Americans were living in Middle Eastern locations under “depart now” advisories, highlighting the scale of challenges faced by U.S. citizens abroad during crises.

The American: “AARO White Paper Shows How Overseas Voters' Rights Are Being Threatened” By News Team, February 21, 2026.
This report goes into detail about AARO’s mission to fight against recent legislation, lawsuits, and executive actions that could restrict or undermine the voting rights of Americans living abroad.

The American: “Voter Groups Act Against Move To Restrict Mail-In Ballots”, By News Team January 22, 2026.
The report explains how AARO, among other organizations, have presented an amicus brief urging the Court to respect state law grace periods. “The Court must rule to keep them in place and, in view of the approaching 2026 elections, do it swiftly,” said Doris Speer, President of AARO.

Amsterdam News: “Why some Black Americans are making a ‘Blaxit’ out of the U.S.” by Karen Juanita Carrillo, January 15, 2026.
This article provides a background into why many Black Americans have decided to leave their residencies in the U.S. Issues like “racial safety, a desire for better work-life balance, and the hope for economic security in retirement” have prompted this. With the new legislative threat of dual nationality, many Americans living overseas have grown concerned. Doris Speer says “U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities)”, and the possibility of this changing in the near future is extremely slim.

The Connexion (paywall): “We’re happy to pay new health fee, it's fair’, say Americans in France” by Liv Rowland, November 11, 2025.
The article describes how Americans in France are responding to the new amendment introducing a minimal healthcare contribution for people on “visiteur” visas. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, said: “Americans I have spoken to say, ‘I have no problem with this,’ ‘it is only fair,’ and ‘I am happy to contribute to my home country.’”

NARFE Magazine October Issue: “Moving Abroad: Residency and Citizenship Considerations” by David Tobenkin, September 25, 2025.
The story, beginning on page 29, describes how many Americans living abroad debate renouncing their U.S. citizenship due to double taxation. “You’re giving up something of who you are when you renounce,” Doris L. Speer, AARO President, said. “My organization doesn’t want people to renounce. We want you to be able to stay American, as tricky as it can be for most of us. AARO’s mission is to try to reduce that difficulty.”

Washington Post (paywall): “Some Americans abroad can’t send mail to U.S. because of tariffs” by Isaac Stanley-Becker, September 16, 2025.
The article reports that AARO has urged lawmakers to streamline the annual mailed “proof-of-life” Social Security requirement. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, said, “There are ways to do more things electronically, but for this form, it does not happen.”

The American Magazine: “Expat Groups Oppose PROVE Act” by News Team, August 28, 2025.
The article reports that AARO, U.S. Vote Foundation/Overseas Vote, and American Citizens Abroad issued a joint statement opposing the PROVE Act as disenfranchising Americans overseas, with Doris L. Speer, AARO President, warning that the bill would “cripple” overseas citizens’ voting rights.

The American Magazine: “Expat Groups Respond To Trump Order Threatening Overseas Votes” by News Team, April 9, 2025.
This article outlines widespread criticism from overseas-American organizations in response to President Trump’s March 25 Executive Order on federal elections. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, said, “The EO oversteps the President's Executive authority and wades into matters which are in the purview of the States.”

The American Magazine:“Expat Organizations File Brief In Case That Could Threaten Voting Rights of Americans Abroad” by News Team, March 13, 2025.
The article reports on an amicus brief filed by the Brennan Center, AARO, and U.S. Vote Foundation opposing a proposal they say would threaten the voting rights of Americans living abroad. “AARO is proud to have been part of this collective effort advocating against this threat to the free and fair elections that form the bedrock of our democracy,” said Doris L. Speer, AARO President.

El País: “Americans, the migrants with the largest presence in Mexico” by Patricia San Juan Flores, March 2, 2025.
The article reports that Americans are now the largest foreign-born group residing in Mexico, and notes that, according to Doris L. Speer, AARO President, people choose it because they can be close to their families, as is the case with retirees, or because they’re able to work from home.

The National: “Push to end U.S. double taxation gains momentum with new bill” by Kyle Fitzgerald, December 18, 2024.
The article discusses the introduction of the Residence-Based Taxation for Americans Abroad Act, that would permit Americans living abroad to elect to become part of a new RBT system, in which the United States would no longer tax their income earned outside the United States. Paris-based lawyer Laura Snyder said the bill was the result of direct work of TFFAA and its non-partisan organizations Stop Extraterritorial American Taxation and AARO

Business Insider: “The 10 countries with the most Americans living abroad” by Jenny McGrath, November 26, 2024.
The article ranks the top 10 countries with the most Americans living abroad, citing the AARO estimate. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, told Business Insider, “It’s a rough estimate since embassies don’t keep an official registry of Americans overseas and the U.S. census doesn’t track citizens abroad.”

The Connexion: “U.S. election: what are the big issues for Americans in France?” by Jessica Jones, October 9, 2024.
The article explores the main issues facing Americans living in France: voting rights, taxation, banking, social‑security access and health coverage: and quotes Doris L. Speer, AARO President: “It’s complex to vote from overseas but we work hard on getting out the vote.” She adds that Americans abroad are often overlooked by U.S. lawmakers, saying many laws are passed without considering their impact: “We’re out of sight, out of mind.”

Forbes: “Experts Agree That Financial Privacy Needs a Revamp” by Norbert Michel, Sept 16, 2024.
The article argues that U.S. financial‑privacy laws under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) need an overhaul: noting that AARO was founded just three years after the BSA’s enactment and has long fought for reforms because Americans living abroad are particularly burdened by its extraterritorial reporting and banking restrictions.

New York Times (paywall): “Want to Move Abroad? Here Are Five Ways to Do It” by Ronda Kaysen, Sept 6, 2024.
The article offers practical guidance for Americans thinking of relocating abroad. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, is quoted urging people to “meet the locals … go there and see how you feel.”

Business Insider: “My wife and I are boomers with no kids. We moved to Paris for retirement and enjoy the food and cheap travel” by Jane Ridley, July 12, 2024.
The article profiles retirees who relocated to Paris and explores the benefits and trade‑offs of expat life, including community, cost of living, and culture. AARO member Rick Jones said, “It helped that we belong to the Association of American Residents Overseas, which has about 1,000 members in Paris. It's helped us integrate. The organization has social events, but it also represents our interests, such as voting rights and tax treaties.”

Tulane Law Review (account required): “Pressured Exit” by Jayesh Rathod, May 2024.
The article examines U.S. citizens compelled to emigrate due to social, political, or economic pressures, noting that organizations like AARO could play a key role in supporting pressured migrants with issues such as taxation, absentee voting, citizenship, and access to Social Security and Medicare.

The Connexion: “The Six New U.S. Bills Which Could Affect Americans in France” by Jared Paolino, November 20, 2023.
This article discusses AARO’s “Top Bills” for the 118th Congress and the organization’s efforts to keep members informed. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, told The Connexion: “The goal of this list is to inform our members as to what could help make their lives better. People have to know what bills are being proposed so that they can contact their Representatives and Senators to try and get them passed.”

Kiplinger: “How to Retire Abroad” by Sandra Block, October 30, 2023.
This article highlights the pros and cons of moving abroad for retirement. It explains the different tiers of AARO’s health insurance plan, including cost‑examples for its gold, silver, and top‑off options. The AARO health insurance plan can be found here.

The Local:“Why more and more Americans in Europe are renouncing their U.S. citizenship” by Helen Burggraf, October 18, 2023.
The article explains why rising numbers of Americans in Europe — including so-called “Accidental Americans” — are paying significant fees to renounce their U.S. citizenship. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, was quoted in the article as saying “We believe that the key concerns of Americans who choose to live abroad can be best addressed by severing citizenship from tax residency.”

CNN Travel: “Considering leaving the U.S. for good? Here’s what to think about before you move abroad” by Blane Bachelor, September 8, 2023.
This article encourages Americans to deeply reflect on their motivations before relocating. Doris L. Speer, AARO President, is quoted urging people to “think beyond a career” and choose a destination that aligns with who they truly want to be, beyond a “romanticized notion of what the country is.”

Tax Notes: “Foreign Taxpayers Cautiously Optimistic About IRS’s Payment Plan” by Jonathan Curry, April 10, 2023.
The IRS announced a new initiative to make tax payments and refunds more accessible for Americans living abroad, including the ability to use foreign bank accounts and currency. Doris L. Speer, AARO President and Board Member Paul Atkinson said in a joint statement, “Assured access to the U.S. payment system would be very welcome.”

5.5 Million U.S. Citizens Live Abroad

AARO currently estimates that about 5.5 million U.S. citizens live abroad. It has been widely referenced in the press, and a selection of those publications is listed below in chronological order. AARO’s study on the number of Americans living abroad can be found here.

Podcasts & Videos Featuring AARO

MSN: “More Americans are considering moving abroad permanently” , April 20, 2026.
A WSOC-TV news segment (via MSN) reports that more Americans are considering moving abroad permanently, citing rising interest in overseas living and including insight from Doris Speer on the growing expat trend.

Boston TV25: “‘Pack up your whole life’: More Americans are making the decision to move overseas”, March 23, 2026. 
A Boston 25 News video reports a growing trend of Americans choosing to move overseas permanently and notes a shift toward “negative net migration” in which more people are leaving the U.S. than arriving. The segment includes perspectives linked to AARO, reinforcing the increasing size and significance of the American population living abroad. *And on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhZT7MwQAoA

The Interchange, hosted by Latife Hayson: “US Expat Tax Explained: Navigating CBT Traps & the Push for RBT”, July 7, 2025
The video features Seth Hertz of Expat US Tax on The Interchange Podcast with Latife Hayson, explaining the complexities of U.S. expat taxation, including Citizen-Based Taxation (CBT) versus Residency-Based Taxation (RBT), FBAR and FATCA reporting. The interview references AARO’s significant work advocating for RBT (1:34 minute mark).

An episode of Profiles in Franceformation, May 30, 2025
Allison Grant Lounes sits down with Doris Speer, the president of AARO – the Association of American Resident Overseas.
Topics of conversation include the differences between American and French work culture, the challenges of living far from family and friends, and Doris’ continued advocacy for the rights of Americans living abroad. 

PREP Podcaster, hosted by John Richardson: “Groundbreaking repeal: U.S. Senate Abolishes WEP for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad”, December 21, 2024
The Senate's approval of H.R. 82 marks the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), a long-standing Social Security obstacle that unfairly reduced benefits for many Americans overseas. Host John welcomes Doris L. Speer, AARO President, to demystify this issue and explore the milestone achieved through powerful advocacy.

EXITUS Podcast, hosted by Craig A. Johnson: “How to Move Abroad and Become an Expat”, November 22, 2024
Doris L. Speer, AARO President, joined the ExitUS podcast to discuss key topics for Americans abroad. In the interview, she covers citizenship-based taxation, expat destinations, the challenges and benefits of relocating, and the importance of proper research before making an international move. She also highlights the banking difficulties expats face, FBAR reporting requirements, and how AARO supports its members.

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