After Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin renounced his U.S. citizenship, Denise Eisenberg (formerly Denise Rich) did the same. She'll save millions in U.S. taxes, but more on that in a moment. Her attorney said that she made the move "so that she can be closer to her family and to Peter Cervinka, her long-time partner."
Bullshit. Ms. Eisenberg is an Austrian citizen and was also a U.S. citizen. She was already living in London with her "partner" based on her EU citizenship. Possession of U.S. citizenship in addition in no way limited her ability to do so. (They aren't living in Havana.) Evidently her lawyer thinks we're fools, and shame on CBS News for not pointing out that her lawyer is a liar. "He said, she said" stenography is not journalism. Saverin's "explanation" for his renunciation was also 100% bullshit.
As for her U.S. tax savings, perhaps. But, like Saverin, she'll now become a pariah in the world's largest economy, an economy with enormous wealth generation opportunities for wealthy people. Even if you're a completely self-obsessed selfish bastard, losing all physical access to the U.S. is a mighty big price. And yes, she (and Saverin) lost access. Justifiable U.S. citizen outrage will make sure of it, and existing law already provides that option to U.S. immigration authorities. Eisenberg will never be able to walk along Park Avenue, shop on Rodeo Drive, or attend an exclusive party in New York City ever again.
