GOP Senator Advocates Ending Dual Citizenship: Americans Must Choose
A Republican senator is advocating for an end to dual citizenship in the United States, emphasizing the need for citizens to pledge “exclusive allegiance” to the U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio plans to introduce new legislation on Monday, aiming to require U.S. citizens with foreign citizenship to choose between the two countries.
Proposed Legislation: The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025
The proposed legislation, named the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, seeks to fundamentally change how dual citizenship is viewed in the U.S. Moreno intends for the law to require any American seeking foreign citizenship to renounce their U.S. citizenship. According to Moreno, who has renounced his own Colombian citizenship, this act is meant to eliminate the potential for “conflicts of interest and divided loyalties.”
Key Elements of the Legislation
- Citizens with dual nationality must choose one citizenship.
- Individuals seeking foreign citizenship will relinquish their U.S. citizenship.
- The State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will enforce the new rules.
The legislation stipulates that current dual citizens will have one year after the enactment of the law to either renounce their foreign citizenship or notify DHS of their intent to give up their U.S. citizenship. Failure to comply will result in automatic relinquishment of U.S. citizenship.
Implications for Dual Citizens
For those who choose to give up their U.S. citizenship, the DHS and attorney general are tasked with recording these changes in federal systems. This individual will then be treated as an alien under immigration laws. This proposed shift reflects broader changes in U.S. immigration policy during the Trump administration’s era.
Political Context
Historically, there have been numerous efforts to challenge dual citizenship laws. For example, some Republican lawmakers have pushed for disclosures regarding foreign citizenship among congressional candidates. In addition, debates surrounding birthright citizenship continue to stir controversy but remain distinct from the current discussions on dual citizenship.
As Senator Moreno gears up for this legislative push, he reiterates his commitment to the principle that American citizenship should be an all-or-nothing commitment. His stance may encounter legal hurdles, as previous Supreme Court rulings have upheld the legality of dual citizenship within the United States.
