GOP Senator Pushes to End Dual Citizenship: Americans Must Decide
A GOP senator is advocating for the abolition of dual citizenship in the United States. Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio plans to introduce the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 on Monday. This legislation aims to require U.S. citizens with foreign citizenship to choose their allegiance exclusively to the United States.
Details of the Exclusive Citizenship Act
The proposed bill mandates that any U.S. citizen seeking foreign citizenship must renounce their American citizenship effectively. Moreno, who renounced his Colombian citizenship after immigrating, emphasized the importance of unwavering loyalty to the U.S.
Motivation Behind the Legislation
In a statement, Moreno reflected on his pride in becoming a U.S. citizen at age 18. He stated, “Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege — it’s all or nothing.” His initiative aims to address concerns that dual citizenship creates conflicts of interest and divided loyalties among citizens.
Implications of the Legislation
- The bill requires the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to set up mechanisms for tracking compliance with the new citizenship rules.
- Current dual citizens would have one year to declare their intent to renounce either their U.S. citizenship or their foreign citizenship.
- If no action is taken within that timeframe, individuals will automatically lose their U.S. citizenship.
Historical Context
Efforts to eliminate dual citizenship are not new. There have been various attempts, particularly among Republican lawmakers, to restrict dual citizenship in recent years. Discussions include requiring disclosure of foreign citizenship in congressional candidacy statements and preventing dual citizens from holding office.
Future Considerations
While former President Donald Trump has targeted birthright citizenship in the courts, the current administration has been less clear on dual citizenship. Moreno’s proposal may face legal challenges given past Supreme Court rulings that upheld dual citizenship rights.
Overall, the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 aims to reinforce exclusive allegiance to the United States, reflecting a broader agenda within segments of the Republican party regarding immigration and national identity.
