Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno is set to introduce a bill, known as the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, that aims to abolish dual citizenship for Americans. If passed, this legislation would require U.S. citizens who also hold foreign nationality to pledge exclusive allegiance to the United States by renouncing their other citizenship. Failure to do so within a year would result in the forfeiture of their U.S. citizenship status.
Born in Colombia, Senator Moreno renounced his Colombian citizenship at 18, a decision he describes as a deeply personal and patriotic choice. "One of the greatest honors of my life was when I became an American citizen at 18, the first opportunity I could do so,” Moreno told Fox News Digital. He further emphasized the commitment required to be an American, stating, “It’s all or nothing."
The bill tasks the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security with creating mechanisms to ensure compliance. Those who lose their American citizenship under this law would be classified as aliens according to federal immigration statutes. While it is challenging to provide exact figures, analysts estimate millions of Americans could be affected, with potentially up to 40% eligible for dual nationality through ancestry.
The legislation has sparked a significant discussion about national identity and allegiance. Proponents argue it is necessary to protect national interests and resolve ambiguities around the responsibilities of American citizenship. There is particular concern about potential conflicts of interest for public officials holding dual citizenship. Previous legislative efforts have sought disclosure of foreign citizenship from lawmakers or even barred dual citizens from holding office.
However, the proposed law may face constitutional challenges. The Supreme Court's 1967 ruling in Afroyim v. Rusk established that U.S. citizenship cannot be involuntarily revoked. Legal experts suggest that forcing renunciation might contravene this precedent.
Internationally, some countries enforce similar strictures. Japan mandates a choice of nationality by age 22, and India revokes citizenship upon acquisition of foreign nationality, although it offers limited overseas citizenship rights as a compromise.
Moreno’s bill would position the U.S. closer to these international norms and signal a strong stance on exclusive national loyalty. This issue has not been a primary focus for President Donald Trump, who has previously questioned birthright citizenship but has not centered policy on dual citizenship.
The bill is a distinct legislative effort to define the boundaries of U.S. nationality and promote exclusive allegiance both legally and symbolically. Moreno underscores the bill's importance, reiterating the necessity for Americans to dedicate themselves entirely to the nation and its laws.
The proposed legislation has elicited a variety of responses, with some critics labeling it as extreme. Joey Mannarino, a commentator, expressed vehement opposition in a tweet, arguing that the blanket ban on dual citizenship is absurd and noting that many people are born with dual citizenship. Mannarino suggested a more measured approach, such as restricting dual citizens from serving in public office, rather than an outright prohibition.
