A legislative proposal introduced in the U.S. Senate has the potential to shake up the country’s nationality system and ignite an unprecedented constitutional debate.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, representing Ohio since 2024 and originally from Colombia, has put forward the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025.
This proposal aims to eliminate dual citizenship, compelling millions to choose between being solely American citizens or retaining their foreign nationality at the expense of losing their U.S. citizenship.
Moreno's "All or Nothing" Approach
Moreno, who moved with his family from Colombia during his childhood, believes U.S. citizenship should be exclusive. Upon announcing his proposal, he stated:
“One of the greatest honors of my life was becoming a U.S. citizen at 18, the first opportunity I had. It was an honor to pledge allegiance to the United States of America and only the United States of America.”
He further declared, “Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege, and if you want to be American, it’s all or nothing. It’s time to end dual citizenship forever.”
Moreno, who renounced his Colombian citizenship upon naturalization, desires all citizens to follow his lead. Under his proposal, those holding another nationality would have a year to decide which to keep, or it would be assumed they have forfeited their U.S. citizenship.
The legislation clearly states: “A person cannot be a citizen or national of the United States and simultaneously hold any foreign citizenship.”
Current U.S. Citizenship Laws
Currently, the U.S. permits dual citizenship, as outlined by the Department of State on its official website:
“U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another nationality (or nationalities). A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship.”
This principle was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Kawakita v. United States (1952), which acknowledged that “the concept of dual citizenship recognizes that a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both.”
Implications of the Exclusive Citizenship Act
If passed, the law would take effect 180 days post-approval. Each dual national would then have a year to formally renounce their other citizenship. Failure to do so would be interpreted as a voluntary renunciation of U.S. citizenship.
Moreover, any individual acquiring another foreign citizenship in the future would automatically lose their U.S. citizenship without needing to submit any formal renunciation.
The proposal mandates the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish mechanisms to declare, verify, and register what is referred to as “exclusive citizenship.”
Potential Impact on Population
Exact numbers are elusive, as neither the U.S. nor many other countries keep detailed records of dual nationals. However, estimates cited by Newsweek suggest the figure could range between 500,000 and 5.7 million people.
Some experts even believe up to 40% of Americans might qualify for a second nationality. This includes individuals born abroad to American parents, children of immigrants, naturalized citizens maintaining ties to their homeland, or Americans who have acquired a second nationality through marriage or prolonged residence.
Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship
Proponents of dual citizenship point to numerous advantages:
Global mobility: unrestricted visa-free access to work, reside, or study in two countries.
Economic opportunities: potential to invest, inherit, or start businesses in two jurisdictions.
Access to services: education, healthcare, and social benefits as citizens, not foreigners.
Cultural ties: preserving connections with one’s roots and passing them on to future generations.
Diversification of risks: having an alternative if political, social, or economic instability arises in one country.
Critics, like Moreno, argue otherwise:
Divided loyalties: risk of prioritizing foreign interests. The case of Elena Branson, an American and Russian citizen accused of acting as an unregistered Kremlin agent, is often cited.
Security clearances: challenges accessing sensitive federal jobs.
Double taxation: U.S. citizens must pay global taxes, even if residing abroad.
Military conflicts: citizenship in countries with mandatory military service can lead to tensions if international conflicts arise.
Viability of Moreno's Proposal
While the proposed law has stirred significant controversy, its chances of passing are slim. In a Senate split 53 to 47, with at least 60 votes needed to advance, its prospects are limited. Additionally, it would face substantial constitutional challenges.
The precedent of Afroyim v. Rusk (1967) made it clear that Congress cannot strip someone of their citizenship without a voluntary renunciation.
Justice Hugo Black was unequivocal: “The Government cannot sever its relationship with the people by taking away their citizenship.”
Potential Impact on Cuban Americans
The proposal also raises important questions for communities like Cuban exiles. Cuba does not recognize dual citizenship within its territory.
Last year, a draft law was published allowing formal renunciation of Cuban citizenship from abroad, though the process is complex and bureaucratic, with many Cubans having long demanded the right to travel to the island as foreigners.
MININT official Mario Méndez Mayedo explained that the renunciation application “is only accepted when made from abroad” and involves a “high responsibility.”
The applicant must submit a sworn statement, criminal certifications, proof of residence, and documents proving no debts to the Cuban state.
In this context, Moreno’s proposal could further complicate the legal and migratory situation of thousands of Cuban Americans, caught between two restrictive legal systems.
Conclusion
Senator Bernie Moreno’s proposal raises a fundamental question: should the United States demand exclusive loyalty in exchange for citizenship?
Under his logic, nationality cannot be shared, and dual citizenship contradicts American identity. However, in a nation built on migration and diversity, this view faces both legal and cultural opposition.
The debate is ongoing. Is this a defense of patriotism or a threat to pluralism?
Understanding the Implications of Dual Citizenship Ban
What is the main objective of the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025?
The main objective is to eliminate dual citizenship in the United States, requiring individuals to choose between retaining U.S. citizenship or their foreign nationality.
How does the current U.S. law handle dual citizenship?
Current U.S. law permits dual citizenship, allowing citizens to maintain multiple nationalities without jeopardizing their U.S. citizenship status.
What challenges might the proposal face in the Senate?
The proposal may face significant challenges, including needing at least 60 votes to advance in a divided Senate and overcoming constitutional issues highlighted by past Supreme Court rulings.
How could Moreno's proposal affect Cuban Americans?
Moreno's proposal could complicate the legal and migratory status of Cuban Americans, who already face restrictive policies from both U.S. and Cuban governments regarding dual citizenship.