There are approximately 5.5 million American citizens living outside the United States, including about 1.16 million in Europe, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO).
That is more people than the population of many US states, but this group of Americans is not represented in the US Congress.
Consequently, the problems they face as US citizens living abroad are not on the radar in Washington DC.
Could that change?
In a letter Kamala Harris wrote on October 24th to US citizens residing abroad, the Democratic party candidate said that she recognises "the unique challenges faced by Americans living overseas”.
"I want to assure you that a Harris-Walz administration will take your concerns seriously – whether it's improving access to consular services, addressing the complex challenges you face with banking, taxation and financial services or ensuring equal treatment in immigration and citizenship processes," Harris wrote.
She accepted the foremost among these issues were the "complex challenges you face with banking, taxation, and financial services” in foreign countries.
That’s because taxes and limited access to banking services in foreign countries are among the top challenges US citizens are facing while living abroad.
For instance, double taxation — by the US government as well as their host countries — can create a significant financial and bureaucratic burden for Americans abroad. It's the reason given by many American dual nationals for why they have given up their US passports.
FATCA, the US legislation passed in 2010 to track money laundering and crackdown on tax evasion, has also complicated matters for Americans abroad and makes everyday tasks like opening a foreign bank account significantly more difficult.
READ ALSO: Why more and more Americans in Europe are renouncing their US citizenship
“We are ready to work in partnership with you, and we welcome your counsel on how best to address these concerns in a new administration,” Harris wrote.
One concern Americans living in Europe have been battling against is the steep fee to renounce their US passports. Authorities in the US have long promised to reduce the fee but it is yet to happen.
Although Harris mentioned only that her administration would “take the concerns of US citizens abroad seriously,” she didn't promise concrete action.
What about the Republican perspective?
As for former president and Republican candidate, Donald Trump – he made overtures to Americans living abroad in a YouTube video published on October 12th.
In the video, Trump promised to "take very good care of [Americans abroad]" and pushed them to register to vote as soon as possible. The former president also said that he would end double taxation, though he did not specify how he would do so.
"You have been wanting this for years, and nobody has listened to you, and you deserve it. I'm going to do it and it's the right thing to do (...) this is an important element for your safety, security and frankly for your wallet", Trump said.
Response from advocacy groups
The American Citizens Abroad (ACA) advocacy group welcomed Harris' “recognition of the unique challenges faced by Americans living overseas and her commitment to work in partnership with the community to address these issues if elected President.”
“As stated previously, it’s important for both major party candidates seeking the presidency and Members of Congress to commit to a tax policy that treats hard working Americans overseas fairly,” said Marylouise Serrato, ACA Executive Director.
Jonathan Lachowitz, ACA Chairman said: “While often overlooked by U.S. policymakers, Americans overseas represent an engaged and informed voting block of over 5 million strong. We look forward to working with the next Administration to address these important issues."
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