Ohio senator proposes to abolish dual citizenship

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has put forward legislation aimed at requiring all U.S. citizens to hold allegiance exclusively to the United States. The proposed "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025" seeks to prevent individuals from holding U.S. citizenship while simultaneously maintaining citizenship in another country.

Under the bill, any U.S. citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality would be required to give up their American citizenship following the laws enactment. Those currently holding dual citizenship would need to formally renounce their foreign citizenship to the Secretary of State or renounce U.S. citizenship to the Secretary of Homeland Security within one year of the act taking effect.

Failure to comply would result in an individual being considered to have voluntarily relinquished their U.S. citizenship in accordance with section 349(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Secretary of State would also be tasked with establishing rules and procedures for declaring, verifying, and recording exclusive citizenship, in coordination with the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security, to ensure accurate federal records and appropriate treatment under immigration law.

"American citizenship is a privilege that demands full commitment. If someone wants to be an American, it must be complete," Moreno said. "The time has come to eliminate dual citizenship entirely."

The legislation would become effective 180 days after its enactment.

Historical Supreme Court rulings, such as Talbot v. Jansen (1795) and Afroyim v. Rusk (1967), have recognized dual citizenship as a constitutional right, protecting citizens from losing U.S. nationality without their voluntary consent. While official figures are not maintained, estimates suggest that over 40 million Americans, including many of Mexican heritage, currently qualify for dual citizenship.

Author: Maya Henderson