We’ll see if anything comes of this, but this is sure going to be controversial (thanks to Karl for flagging this).
In this post:
Republican Senator aims to end dual citizenship
Bernie Moreno, a Republican Senator from Ohio, has introduced the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, to establish that citizens of the United States must have sole and exclusive allegiance to the United States. As Colombian-born Senator Moreno explains:
“One of the greatest honors of my life was when I became an American citizen at 18, the first opportunity I could do so. It was an honor to pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and ONLY to the United States of America! 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.”
Current laws allow United States citizens to also maintain foreign citizenship, though this bill would require them to forfeit their dual citizenship. The argument is that dual citizenship creates conflicts of interest and divided loyalty.
If this bill were approved, within one year of enactment, those with dual citizenship would have to renounce their foreign citizenship, or submit a renunciation of their United States citizenship. Of course let me emphasize that this is just a proposal, and it’s anyone’s guess if something comes of this.
My take on United States ending dual citizenship
Personally, I’m opposed to this change, and that’s not just because I have dual citizenship. In fairness, the United States would be far from the first country to ban dual citizenship. However, most countries that ban dual citizenship are in Africa and Asia, with very few countries in the Americas or Europe having such a policy.
Obviously any “take” on this is going to be inherently political. Personally, I’m grateful to live in the United States, and all the things the country offers (opportunity, free speech, etc.). That being said, I’m not some nationalist who thinks “my” country can do no wrong (and that would be the case for the United States, Germany, or any other country I could have citizenship with).
Another thing I’m grateful for about living in the United States is that we don’t have a draft, so I don’t have to be in the military, and I can just passively live as a happy American, rather than having some sort of an allegiance (and let me of course say that I appreciate and respect those who do choose to serve, and realize those freedoms were fought for). Yes, admittedly I’m a bit of an anti-war hippie…
But I also don’t really get what this is supposed to accomplish, other than performative patriotism? What’s all or nothing? What exactly is my singular oath of allegiance to the United States supposed to change?
I also wonder if this wouldn’t be counter to the interests of the United States. The country currently has global taxation for citizens, so dual citizens are still very much “paying” for being American. Maybe forcing people to choose would cause more people to actually renounce their US citizenship.
Bottom line
A United States Senator has introduced a bill to ban dual citizenship. The argument is that citizens need to have full allegiance to the United States, so if they’re not willing to renounce their foreign citizenship, they should renounce their US citizenship. We’ll see if anything comes of this, but that’s quite an extreme proposal…
What do you make of this proposal?
Calm down. It won't pass. Most "introduced" Bills don't pass. Mainly just for show or scoring political points.
Agree. Guy has no clue what this would mean for many people and the financial hit the country would take if all wealthy people with citizenships elsewhere renounce the US one. BTW, it is an easy choice to me as I can get a green card or visa to stay here so it would be their loss of me paying taxes here.
No "triple" citizens allowed . Anyone who is (1) Afghanistani , (2) Somalian , and (3) Mississippian ought to be deported to Haiti .
European "Crusader" ancestors can never be a "dual" citizen with a "Turkish" berserker , for example .
Well, anything can happen but the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that "dual citizenship is "a status long recognized in the law" and that a U.S. citizen cannot lose their citizenship unless they willingly surrender it." Also, as Ben mentioned, people that became US citizens are paying to have that privilege. If having to choose, many will probably give it up and not have to pay taxes here.
If a Argentinian and an Italian meet in the Peruvian jungle , they will both have inferior citizenship to a Falklands Islander .
The Trump Supreme Court has demonstrated that precedent is irrelevant to them.
Zero chance Israel let's this happen. Zero.
I’m sure the lawmakers will exempt themselves just as they did with the affordable care act.
If this passes, I’ll ditch my US citizenship based on the horrific comments in this thread alone
Gotta love all the folks who want to go back to the days of WWII genocide and internment camps “because you have to pick a side”
Why wait? Do it today.
I am all for this bill, especially if it is retroactive. That way we can get rid of most of the first family.
" However, most countries that ban dual citizenship are in Africa and Asia, with very few countries in the Americas or Europe having such a policy."
Germany only changed its law in June 2024, so this is new (Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz). Before that, when you became German, you had to give up your old citizenship. The law is controversial within the current government of Germany, and there are voices that want it repealed (https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/doppelte-staatsbuergerschaft-staatsangehoerigkeit-pass-cdu-spd-afd-100.html).
" However, most countries that ban dual citizenship are in Africa and Asia, with very few countries in the Americas or Europe having such a policy."
Germany only changed its law in June 2024, so this is new (Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz). Before that, when you became German, you had to give up your old citizenship. The law is controversial within the current government of Germany, and there are voices that want it repealed (https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/doppelte-staatsbuergerschaft-staatsangehoerigkeit-pass-cdu-spd-afd-100.html).
The US does have conscription, Ben, you will be registered for selective service. The IS just isn’t calling anyone up right now.
One of my (African American) friends reasons for not taking up dual citizenship for his son from down here in Australia was selective service. Having grown up in an army family, his view was ‘they always come for us first’ so didn’t want to place any obligations on his son. His son...
The US does have conscription, Ben, you will be registered for selective service. The IS just isn’t calling anyone up right now.
One of my (African American) friends reasons for not taking up dual citizenship for his son from down here in Australia was selective service. Having grown up in an army family, his view was ‘they always come for us first’ so didn’t want to place any obligations on his son. His son can, of course take up his American citizenship later if he wants to.
So why come to such a terrible country to begin with?
All of Trump's Children, except Tiffany, are dual citizens as are:
His Wife - Slovenia
Elon Musk - Canada/South Africa
Peter Thiel - Germany
Peter Thiel is also a citizen of New Zealand.
Peter Thiel is a citizen of the planet Korriban in the Outer Rim Territories.
You wanna name drop immigrant billionaire or have ties with Jewish?
This will cripple the US economy.
I am sure they will make a carve out for “Israel” to protect the vile Epstein’s of the world.
It is simple, there are no divided loyalties.
You are an American at Heart or you are not and do not deserve the privileges of citizenship if you are not 100 percent faithful.
Were you ok with Elon Musk running an agency as dual citizen?
Were you ok with Peter Thiel forcing Palatir down our throats as a dual citizens?
Are you ok with Trump's wife being a dual citizen?
Adam
I am not OK.
Rage bait. It's to get you outraged and talking regardless of which side of the issue you're on.
They can't even agree on a budget.
I am a dual national currently living in Switzerland. I pay taxes to the U.S., even though I do not live there. I am not particularly happy about it, but I do it because it is part of the obligations for U.S. citizens living abroad. I suppose that Senator wants the U.S. to loose tax revenue. Additionally the very wealthy would obtain a new nationality to avoid taxes !
Afroyim v. Rusk.
"Congress has no express power under the Constitution to strip a person of citizenship, and no such power can be sustained as an implied attribute of sovereignty, as was recognized by Congress before the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, and a mature and well considered dictum in Osborn v. Bank of the United States"
"The Fourteenth Amendment's provision that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are...
Afroyim v. Rusk.
"Congress has no express power under the Constitution to strip a person of citizenship, and no such power can be sustained as an implied attribute of sovereignty, as was recognized by Congress before the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, and a mature and well considered dictum in Osborn v. Bank of the United States"
"The Fourteenth Amendment's provision that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are citizens of the United States . . ." completely controls the status of citizenship, and prevents the cancellation of petitioner's citizenship."
Denaturalization of dual citizens cannot be accomplished by statute, or executive action. The 14th Amendment controls. This is just a waste of everyone's time...
That's why we have amendments.
To override previous constitutions.
@Eskimo good luck with that. While we’re at it, how about we strip your citizenship personally with a constitutional amendment.
Unless the SCOTUS decides that the plain language of the 14th Amendment doesn't mean what it we think it means. It's not as if they've never done that before.
It will never happen for one simple reason. It would bring about the end of Israel. If Americans had to renounce their US citizenship to make Aliyah to Israel, nobody would do it. Israel needs these American Jews in order to keep their military strong.
Dual citizen here (France / USA).
Been living in the US for 20 years.
However, my Dad still lives in France. For me, it makes sense to keep dual citizenship, as I may need to assist my Dad for a few months/years as he gets older.
Per this bill.
It doesn't make sense because if US and France goes to war. You MUST pick a side. Even if one side invades unprovoked and unjustified and you're against the invasion.
How is that not brainwashing.
No it's not "anyone's guess". It's not happening. Period. This is a MAGA publicity stunt meant to stir up even more hatred.
This isn't even MAGA.
Right like he’d dare ask Miriam Adelson to pick between Israel and American. That alone would tank a bill like this.
Oh, that's easy - just make an exception for Israel.
Multiple citizenships makes about as much sense to me as multiple primary addresses or being a resident of multiple states.
Your response makes about as much sense to me as someone who couldn't afford to have multiple primary addresses or being a resident of multiple states.
It's not like you're going to war with your neighboring states.
Could that be because you have not engaged in the reflection needed to understand the use cases of multiple citizenship?
I direct you to this forum to help guide you on your meditative journey: https://www.reddit.com/r/PassportPorn/
Not to be pedantic, but Moreno likely meant ban on 2nd citizenships. Dual citizenship situations are pretty rare. Dual citizenship occurs when two countries mutually recognize your citizenship, often through bilateral agreements. Second citizenship is a broader term that can include dual citizenship, but also applies when one country doesn't recognize your other citizenship, treating you solely as its own citizen. Another fun fact is that a number of countries ban 2nd citizenships, but don’t...
Not to be pedantic, but Moreno likely meant ban on 2nd citizenships. Dual citizenship situations are pretty rare. Dual citizenship occurs when two countries mutually recognize your citizenship, often through bilateral agreements. Second citizenship is a broader term that can include dual citizenship, but also applies when one country doesn't recognize your other citizenship, treating you solely as its own citizen. Another fun fact is that a number of countries ban 2nd citizenships, but don’t have any penalties for those who have them.
I fully support. I have dual citizenship but I think the concept is ridiculous. Yeah it's kinda nice to have multiple passports for various reasons but if push came to shove you have to pick where your allegiance lies.
Why? My allegiance is to humanity.
So Mr. Bieber, will you go back to Canada?
If so, please take your vapid music with you......
I am in support of this measure. Citizenship should be only to one Nation. Yes, it is about allegiance to your country. You follow your nation’s laws and if you don’t agree, you are free to work toward and accept citizenship elsewhere and then renounce your US Citizenship. Pretty simple to me.
Then as a Citizen, you vote (it’s your responsibility) and serve to defend if/when called upon. I think many democrats would vote along...
I am in support of this measure. Citizenship should be only to one Nation. Yes, it is about allegiance to your country. You follow your nation’s laws and if you don’t agree, you are free to work toward and accept citizenship elsewhere and then renounce your US Citizenship. Pretty simple to me.
Then as a Citizen, you vote (it’s your responsibility) and serve to defend if/when called upon. I think many democrats would vote along with republicans on this measure. To be naturalized, on the day of swearing in, you turn over your old passport and they give you a new USA passport.
This is not a bigotry issue. It's not racist, etc. So please stop the nonsense. I looked up 51 countries that do not allow for dual citizenship. Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India are on that list. I think that's like half the world population. Oh, yeah Monaco is on the list too.
And I don’t believe that a US Citizen, dual or otherwise shoule serve in another countries armed forces, nor a dual citizen serve in the US armed forces.
Oooohhh.
You make so many good points.
When's the last time you look forward for Jury Duty, like literally checking mail everyday to get a call.
Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, ...your examples... any of them you can say you can accept them as leaders of the free world?
And when was the last time US armed forces are actually defending US and not fighting someone else's conflict, Pearl Harbor?
Still think your idea of allegiance isn't based on hypocrisy.
Also, your argument is factually wrong. On the of swearing in, you get the naturalization certificate aka citizenship certificate. You take that certificate along with bunch of other documents and go to your nearest post office to apply for passport. Juts semantics, but thought should be called out.
About the allegiance to your country, I wonder to which country these individuals had allegiance too - Eric Rudolph, Timothy McVeigh, Unabomber, the tobacco companies (for hiding...
Also, your argument is factually wrong. On the of swearing in, you get the naturalization certificate aka citizenship certificate. You take that certificate along with bunch of other documents and go to your nearest post office to apply for passport. Juts semantics, but thought should be called out.
About the allegiance to your country, I wonder to which country these individuals had allegiance too - Eric Rudolph, Timothy McVeigh, Unabomber, the tobacco companies (for hiding the health risks for smoking), the Sackler family, Miguel G. Recarey Jr. (who Jeb Bush gladly worked with) and so on. I think you get my drift.
Only if the citizenship was enough to determine allegiance to a country.
Starting with Melania and Barron.
Yesterday the US government refused to recognise World AIDS Day.
It’s a vile administration that needs to go by whatever means.
Just keep flying toward that shiny object Icarus.
World AIDS Day. Is there a World Ebola Day? World COVID Day? Why is AIDS different? P O L I T I C S
Just keep flying toward that shiny object Steve K.
Dual citizenship. Is there dual German? Dual British? Why is US different? P O L I T I C S
Cry me a river…
You’re a f— moron. Clearly lack any brain cells like 77 million Americans who
voted for fascism.
This response was meant for Steve K.
To add, Americans still have to file a tax return even if they don’t live in the US and haven’t done for years.
That bill won't even make it out of committee.
I still never heard anyone who took Oath of Allegiance is absolute loyal and doesn't have conflicts of interest.
When's the last time you see anyone not only refusing a tax refund but paid extra tax to show your Allegiance.
Taxation, that's the real conflicts regardless of any country or citizenship.
Only brainwashed hypocrites still believe this feudal system is actually still effective.
bann all they want, there is no way they knowing... no other countries would share that info unless you giving out yourself
I guess you never heard of FATCA.
This probably won’t get very far before it is done for. Republicans, assuming all vote yes would need at least seven Democrats to go along with them in order to even get it to a vote. Based on current politics, I wouldn’t put my money on that happening.
Doing this retroactively (anyone who had been naturalized under current understanding) will be a big legal problem probably unconstitutional.
And there are refugees and dissidents (already or yet to be naturalized Americans) who cannot renounce. Won't this law result in an American's rights being determined by a foreign government?
I wouldn't worry about the constitution. The current supreme court is full of textualists/originalists. If something is not literally written in the constitution they won't care.
I am 100% on board for this and encourage the US government to do it. It'd mean far fewer American immigrants in my country.
Can one, when it comes down to it, have allegiance to two different opposing governments? That is the question
Obama: Yes We Can.
In a democracy, citizenship is not about allegiance to a government, but to the country. Countries don't oppose each other, governments do (though some governments want us to believe otherwise).
I would tend to think most people with dual passports are wealthy individuals and not exactly having the need to stay at a migrant hotel or an EBT card.
I don't think senator is concerned about EBT cards.
He's probably afraid someone is going to eat all his cats and dogs. Especially when that someone can legally stay forever. He is a senator from Ohio after all.
These days one goes to bed and thinks it can’t get worst and one a wakes up the next morning to find the opposite is true.
Choosing a nationality is such a narrowminded position but I guess when a government wants to revoke citizenships based on political views it’s not far fetched at all.
I was waiting to see how long it will take people to make this about the Jews and I guess it already happened. Just another day at this blog.
You made it about Jews. Others commented on Israel.
Good bill! Let's start with kicking out Melania and Baron since they hold Slovenian citizenship
Just another signaling bill. Nothing will come of it.
pure bigotry and assholery; that said, good luck enforcing it consistently (as many a country has learned)
Bigotry? How?
Absolutly. This is fantastic. We have American citizens who fight in the israeli army and show their alligence to Israel over the USA yet they enjoy the freedoms of the USA without making any contrbution to the betterment, blood, sweat and tears that many americans gave their life for. America first, especially over israel.
Ridiculous.
Amen!
Will they drop the taxation of all renounced citizens ?? I think this could be costly for US
If it is costly, so be it. US citizenship should not be all about taxes.