Americans in Race for European Residency See Doors Slamming Shut

A rising number of Americans are exploring a move overseas to escape the tumult of Donald Trump’s administration. But those looking to Europe are seeing their options narrow by the day.

Restrictions on skilled worker visas, tougher rules on citizenship-by-ancestry programs and pressure on the once widespread golden visa programs are all eroding the legal avenues Americans — and other migrants — can take to live in Europe. Popular nations such as Italy, which once offered flexible rights to those who could show ties to the country, are making the move more difficult.

The changes are fueling a race among those Americans with a clear shot at residency on the continent, ...