Colombia-Born Senator Bernie Moreno Introduces Measure to Eliminate Dual Citizenship

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has introduced the "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025," a bill that would require U.S. citizens to hold exclusive allegiance to the United States. Under the proposal, any individual who is both a U.S. citizen and a foreign national would be forced to choose one citizenship within a year of the measure going into effect.

"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," Moreno said in a statement reported by The Hill.

Moreno, who was born in Colombia and became a U.S. citizen at the age of 18, added that "it was an honor to pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and only to the United States of America."

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The bill states that those with dual citizenship must submit a written renunciation of their foreign nationality to the Secretary of State, or renounce U.S. citizenship to the Department of Homeland Security, within one year of enactment. Individuals who do not comply would be treated as if they voluntarily relinquished U.S. citizenship under existing immigration law. The measure would take effect 180 days after being signed into law.

For decades, U.S. policy and Supreme Court precedent have permitted dual citizenship. Rulings such as Afroyim v. Rusk established that Americans cannot lose their citizenship unless they willingly surrender it. Estimates suggest tens of millions of U.S. citizens are eligible for dual nationality, including many Mexican Americans and other immigrant communities.

Moreno's proposal would shift that approach significantly. If enacted, it could require high-profile dual citizens — including First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron — to give up foreign passports or lose their American status, as The Independent reports.

The bill follows Moreno's earlier legislative push back in January to overhaul the U.S. asylum system. That measure, however, remains in committee and has not advanced to a vote.

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