On December 1, 2025, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, a bill aimed at mandating that U.S. citizens with dual citizenship renounce their foreign citizenship. The proposed legislation asserts that holding dual citizenship may lead to conflicts of interest and divided loyalties, thereby undermining the integrity of national citizenship.

Under the terms of the bill, U.S. citizens who also possess foreign citizenship would be required to submit a written renunciation of their foreign citizenship to the Secretary of State within one year of the Act's enactment. Failure to comply would result in the individual being considered to have voluntarily relinquished their U.S. citizenship. Additionally, any U.S. citizen who acquires foreign citizenship after the law is enacted would also lose their U.S. citizenship.

The bill's introduction has sparked debate, particularly among individuals with dual citizenship. Dr. Brian Edmiston, a professor at The Ohio State University and a triple citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, expressed concerns about the implications of such legislation. He highlighted the value of diverse experiences that come from multiple citizenships, which can enrich American society. Edmiston criticized the notion that dual citizens should have to renounce their other citizenships to prove their loyalty, arguing that loyalty is not a binary concept.

Supporters of the bill, including Gabe Guidarini of the Ohio College Republicans, argue that individuals should fully commit to American citizenship to benefit from U.S. resources and opportunities. Moreno, who renounced his Colombian citizenship upon becoming a U.S. citizen, emphasized that being an American is a privilege that should not be shared with other national identities.

Estimates suggest that the number of U.S. dual citizens could range from 500,000 to 5.7 million, although the exact number is uncertain due to the lack of a formal registry for dual citizenship in the U.S. The bill could have implications for individuals like First Lady Melania Trump, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Slovenia.

The proposed legislation may face legal challenges, as the U.S. Supreme Court has previously recognized dual citizenship as a legally accepted status. Critics warn that the bill could create barriers for legal immigrants and foster a divisive narrative about who qualifies as a 'real American.' They advocate for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds in a multicultural society.