Senator Bernie Moreno Proposes Exclusive Citizenship Act to End Dual Citizenship

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has introduced the "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025," a legislative proposal aimed at eliminating dual citizenship for U.S. citizens. The bill stipulates that individuals must have sole allegiance to the United States, mandating that any U.S. citizen who acquires foreign citizenship must relinquish their American citizenship. Under the proposed law, those with dual citizenship would be required to submit a written renunciation of their foreign citizenship to the Secretary of State or their U.S. citizenship to the Secretary of Homeland Security within one year of the act's enactment.

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The Exclusive Citizenship Act outlines several key provisions:

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• U.S. citizens voluntarily acquiring foreign citizenship would automatically lose their U.S. citizenship after the bill's enactment.

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• Individuals with dual citizenship must declare their allegiance by renouncing either their foreign or U.S. citizenship.

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• The Secretary of State would be tasked with establishing regulations for the declaration, verification, and recordkeeping of exclusive citizenship.

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• Non-compliance would result in individuals being treated as aliens under U.S. immigration laws.

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Moreno emphasized the importance of exclusive allegiance, stating, “Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege — and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing. It’s time to end dual citizenship for good.” He argues that the bill is necessary to reinforce national loyalty among citizens.

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The proposal comes in the wake of several Supreme Court rulings that have upheld dual citizenship as a constitutional right. Notable cases include *Talbot v. Jansen* (1795), which affirmed that U.S. citizens acquiring foreign citizenship do not automatically lose their American citizenship, and *Afroyim v. Rusk* (1967), which ruled that citizenship cannot be revoked unless willingly surrendered. These precedents highlight the legal complexities surrounding citizenship status in the United States.

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The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from advocates for immigrant rights and those who argue that dual citizenship is a vital aspect of identity for many Americans, especially among communities with strong ties to other countries. Critics contend that the bill could adversely affect over 40 million Americans, many of whom are Mexican-Americans, who are eligible for dual citizenship.

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If passed, the Exclusive Citizenship Act would take effect 180 days after enactment. The legislative process will likely involve debates on the implications of such a significant change to citizenship laws, as well as discussions on the potential impact on millions of Americans with dual citizenship.

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• “Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege — and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing. It’s time to end dual citizenship for good,” — Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio.

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