Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno has proposed new legislation aimed at eliminating dual citizenship in the United States, seeking to establish that American citizens must solely hold U.S. citizenship. Currently, U.S. law permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to maintain citizenship with another country if permitted by that nation.
Having immigrated from Colombia as a child, Moreno became a U.S. citizen and renounced his Colombian citizenship at the age of 18. He emphasized the honor of pledging allegiance exclusively to the United States, stating, “Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege − and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing.”
According to the State Department, dual citizenship requires individuals to have loyalties to both nations, which may lead to potential conflicts of interest. However, many see the benefits of dual citizenship, which can facilitate travel and allow for property ownership and business operations abroad. Moreno’s proposed legislation would provide current dual citizens one year to renounce either their U.S. or foreign citizenship.
The potential implications of this bill could reverberate beyond personal choices, impacting high-profile figures as well. For instance, as reported by the New York Times, First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron hold dual citizenship in the United States and Slovenia.
As details of Moreno’s proposal unfold, it remains to be seen how the legislation will be received and whether it can garner sufficient support in Congress.