A new bill, the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, proposes ending dual citizenship in the United States. Under the bill, Americans who also hold another nationality would be forced to choose between renouncing their foreign citizenship or giving up U.S. citizenship.
US Considers Ending Dual Citizenship
Let’s look at why some people see dual citizenship is problematic but ultimately why I do not buy that claim.
Why Some Say Dual Citizenship Is Problematic
Supporters argue that loyalty to two nations can create conflicts of interest. The bill’s sponsor, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R – OH), has said that when you “pledge an oath of allegiance,” it should be to one country, not multiple. Moreno was born in Colombia and became a U.S. citizen at age 18. In theory, the idea makes sense: if you hold citizenship somewhere else, couldn’t your loyalties be split?
I am at least sympathetic to that point of view. Citizenship is not supposed to be a casual label. It carries duties and expectations. For some roles, perhaps elected office or national security, that concern is even more understandable.
Why I’m Against Banning Dual Citizenship
Still, I believe that in 2025, this proposed ban is a step backward.
- Many of us travel constantly, split our lives between countries, and build families that span borders. Dual citizenship reflects that reality.
- Even more importantly, Western democracies and NATO allies (like the U.S. and U.K.) have long been aligned politically and strategically. The notion that a Brit–American citizen in 2025 would face a moral, let alone security, conflict is far-fetched (I’m using the US as an example, but that would apply to many nations around the world).
- Historically, dual citizenship in the U.S. gained legal standing after Afroyim v. Rusk (1967), which protected the right to retain U.S. citizenship even if one holds another nationality.
Personally, I think allegiance to the United States does not preclude being tied to family, heritage, or connections abroad via dual citizenship. I value what America offers (including opportunity, rights, and freedoms). I don’t subscribe to blind nationalism, but I do believe in the idea of America and I demonstrated that by serving in the U.S. Air Force. Renouncing dual citizenship doesn’t strengthen that belief; it diminishes a global identity that enriches American diversity.
The Distinct Reality of Israeli–American Dual Citizens
This debate also overlooks a very large and very specific group: Israeli–American dual citizens. Tens of thousands of Americans hold Israeli citizenship automatically through descent or aliyah, and countless Israeli nationals become U.S. citizens each year through work, marriage, or naturalization. Their dual citizenship is not exotic or theoretical; it is woven into everyday life and a reminder of a people whose very existence was existentially threatened less than a century ago (and to this day…).
Israel is one of America’s closest strategic allies. The notion that an Israeli–American would face an unmanageable loyalty conflict is not just overstated; it misunderstands the geopolitical reality. These are not citizens of rival nations. These are partners, culturally and militarily aligned.
For many Israeli–American families, dual citizenship preserves ties to parents, children, religious life, military obligations, and heritage. To force such individuals to choose between two meaningful identities, both deeply rooted in community and history, would inflict real personal harm while providing no security benefit to the United States. It would not strengthen allegiance; it would sever relationships.
CONCLUSION
Yes, there is a philosophical appeal to the idea that citizenship should be singular and exclusive. But the practical application in 2025 is misguided. Dual citizens are not divided in their loyalties simply because they hold two passports. They are often among the most globally engaged and appreciative of what America represents.
The Exclusive Citizenship Act solves a problem that does not exist while creating new ones for families whose lives straddle borders. Dual citizenship does not weaken the United States; forcing people to abandon parts of their identity does.
image: my family has many passports
Classic Matthew, always weirdly concerned about Israelis and singling them out for “special” treatment. Not like Palestinian-American dual citizens matter? Or I suppose, Matthew doesn’t recognize Palestine of course.
There was a genocide…and the right of return and unique conditions surrounding Israeli citizenship make that a unique issue. I’m not sure what a Palestinian-American dual citizen is since there is no Palestinian state, but for Lebanon/Syria/Jordan…yes, dual citizenship.
The genocide is ongoing now, in Gaza and the West Bank.
STFU Aaron
You first.
Hey, how about that, Chit Hstain telling Aaron to STFU!
His accusation of “genocide” in Gaza may well be unsophisticated and inaccurate, but your responses are boorish and juvenile.
Go fist yourself, pimple ass.
Incorrect. Arabs are free to live in Israel. Israelis in Gaza (or even Israelis in Israel if you ask Hamas or antisemite such as you?) not so much.
Interesting, I like Boston and Bali, but not your misleading commentary here.
If we took your duplicate comments at face value, that would mean anyone who has an issue with Israeli PM Netanyahu and his administration’s alleged war crimes in Gaza, they’re automatically an ‘antisemite’? Huh, probably should tell that to the Jewish people, including Israelis, around the world who share those concerns…
Recall in January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found the accusation of genocide in Gaza ‘plausible’ and ordered measures to prevent it. That’s not antisemitism, that’s a valid humanitarian concern. Likewise, UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI), an independent body, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, has a mandate to investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the region, has stated that there is “clear evidence” of war crimes committed by both Israeli authorities and Palestinian armed groups since October 7, 2023.
Clearly, the region, the conflicts, the atrocities are not ‘good,’ and also, all of this is not really the focus of this topic (a US Senator’s bad idea to force US citizens to give up other citizenships), but, since you wanted to go there (on Israeli/Palestine), let’s at least have some clear context on that, please.
ncorrect. Arabs are free to live in Israel. Israelis in Gaza (or even Israelis in Israel if you ask Hamas or antisemite such as you?) not so much.
C’mon, man. We know how you feel about Israel v. Palestine, but a Palestinian passport is a real thing, and until about 2 months ago, was valid for travel to the US with a visa, along with virtually all other countries. You can ignore Palestinian nationality, but in that vein, you shouldn’t recognize Kosovo-Americans, Cypriot-Americans, Taiwanese-Americans. You’ve also voiced support in the past for the self-determination of the people of Artsakh. I suppose that point is moot now, in your mind have they always been Azeri?
I think we have to strip off citizenship from that idiot from Columbia and deport him back.
And take that nasty Valentina Gomez with him, who is literally the most bigoted pol I’ve ever seen.
I am so glad we are all awake to tbe terrifying fact that Israel owns us. They’re currently running the Pentagon and the ONLY way to get them out of control is to END DUAL CITIZENSHIP. STOP THE GENOCIDE! They’re plan… to use AI drones and kill Americans without due process. CALL EVERY REPRESENTATIVE AND TELL THEM TO PASS BILLS BANNING ASSUALT DRONES ON US SOIL NOW!
What?!
I feel your pain about having to carry 6 passports everywhere. My wife and I’s children are also dual citizens (US/UK.)
You realize you do not literally ‘have’ to travel with all your passports; there are some reasons it makes sense to, but you do not literally ‘need’ to in most circumstances, especially between US and UK, if merely visiting briefly for tourism or friends/family, etc.
Agreed, we don’t HAVE to. We only carry 4 passports when we travel domestically. With the UK now requiring an ETA for US visitors, my wife and children enter the UK with their UK passports so we don’t have to pay the ETA for them. Then when we return to the US, we all have Global Entry and enter on their respective US passports (except my wife who only maintains her British citizenship.)
Thank you for the reminder on the UK ETA. Have an upcoming trip and meant to download their app, pay the £16. *sigh* (not all that different than what Australia makes US visitors do.)
Sometimes duo-citizens do need to carry at least two passports. When arriving in the EU, EU law requires EU citizens to present their EU identification upon arrival despite the person having a second nationality. If a du0 US-EU citizen presented their US passport, they can get into actual trouble.
Not really.
You do not have to present EU passport when entering EU, especially if only visiting on tourism, but you may be subject to different requirements, like, you may need to leave within 90-180 days.
Where it’s an issue is if you go into the EU lane, but try to use your US passport, then the agents get upset, and maybe force you to join the non-EU lane, but that’s not the same as committing an immigration violation.
Agree totally but AIPAC will sadly sink this.
Should Americans be able to serve in a foreign army like Israel without losing their citizenship????
Yeah, I think dual Israeli-American reservists were right to fight against Hamas in Gaza…
I feel your pain about having to carry 6 passports on international travel. My wife and I’s children are also dual citizens (US/UK)
And since we’re doing duplicates here, I’ll add… is it really that much of a ‘pain’ to have an extra little booklet? Like, no, it’s not much of an inconvenience at all. Matt, Ben, and others have written about the nuances of when to use which passport where, which is kinda interesting, but the ‘pain’ of the extra weight, psh, please. Be grateful for the privilege of multiple citizenship. It’s usually an asset, not a liability.
Yes, the duplication was because I didn’t think my first post was there. My fault. Ok, maybe “pain” was a bad choice of words. I never claim to be Shakespeare. Yes, we are grateful our kids are dual citizens. They will have a lot of choices as to where they want to live/work/go to school, etc when they get older.
Well said. You’re always welcome to critique my posts, too. I’d rather engage with folks on here than not. Feels like we learn more when we do. As Matt has said before, more speech is best.
It’s a huge mistake, and this ‘bill’ is unnecessary and harmful jingoistic virtue signaling by right-wingers. Senator Moreno is basically saying, “Look, even though I wasn’t born here, I’m one of the ‘good ones’ because I want to screw over anyone else who has multiple citizenships.” Friends, you cannot appease fascists. Their loyalty tests will always narrow to smaller and smaller in-groups. Reject and resist this nonsense. Do not disclose or relinquish your other citizenships voluntarily. Besides, this affects more wealthy people than poor folks anyway. Wild.
Have you read the citizenship oath?
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;
BlackHill, if you were born in the USA, when would you or I have read that oath? Like, at the hospital. I’ll wait.
Yes, my son was born here, so tell me where (& how) could ALL US BORN CITIZENS, have taken that oath ???
Will wait for an answer as well.
I have triple citizenship. Two I inherited when I was born so there is nothing I can do about them. I then came to this country to study and was offered a job and a H1B visa. Got a green card and later became a US citizen. I have done everything legally and paid taxes every year. Now, if someone that hates his original country so much that he gave up his Colombian citizenship thinks I have to make a choice, that’s an easy one. I will renounce my US citizenship, get a green card or a visa and nothing will change. This is the dumbest proposal I have ever seen since people who holds more than one citizenship do that because they love both countries, pay taxes and are legal. Just as a note, between Irish and Italians, there are over 50MM Americans with dual citizenship so good luck with all the taxes that people won’t pay here anymore. I doubt this will pass, even the first lady and her son have dual citizenship and she said many times how proud she is to have both.
I appreciate your story. Resist the urge to feel like you did it ‘the right way’ and therefore the ladder should be lifted up behind you. Yes, immigration reforms are sorely needed, and have been for a while. Yes, Senator Moreno’s idea is bad and solves nothing. Hopefully, it will not pass or gain any momentum.
Let’s also not forget that ‘renouncing US citizenship’ is not simple or free. The primary, non-refundable government fee for Americans to renounce their U.S. citizenship is $2,350. This fee is charged by the U.S. Department of State for the administrative processing of the Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN), and it must be paid at the in-person appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Also, there may be additional tax implications or professional service fees.
For instance, there may be an ‘Exit Tax’, if your average annual net income tax liability for the five years before renunciation exceeds a specific amount ($206,000 for 2025, adjusted annually for inflation), or your net worth is $2 million or more, or you fail to certify that you have been compliant with all U.S. federal tax obligations for the five preceding years. If you are a Covered Expatriate, the IRS treats you as having sold all of your worldwide assets the day before renunciation. You must pay capital gains tax on the unrealized gains that exceed an exclusion amount ($890,000 for 2025). This can result in a very large tax bill.
So, you will need to ensure you are fully tax compliant for the five years prior to renunciation. This often requires the help of a tax professional or attorney specializing in U.S. expatriate tax law, which can cost anywhere from $500 to over $10,000 depending on the complexity of your situation.
Finally, there are travel costs, too, because, you often must appear in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a foreign country to sign the oath of renunciation, which involves travel expenses if you do not live near one.
Most of your points are true if renouncing citizenship and leaving. In my case I can easily apply for a green card as my kids can ask that for their parents. The more I read the more I see this will not get any traction. They can’t find who has citizenship or not. Also, as I shared above, just between Irishes and Italians we are talking a huge chunk of the US population with dual citizenship. Good luck with that.
“In my case I can easily apply for a green card…” in Trump’s America, circa 2025+?
I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you…
So if the US forces dual citizens to renounce one and the person chooses to renounce US citizenship, would the govmt accommodate by waiving that fee or giving us a work visa/green card immediately so we can continue with our lives in the US? Probably not.
tbh I wouldn’t be surprised if they raise fees or just outright kick the ‘disloyal former american’ out of the country.
Oh, you think they thought this through? Obviously, not. It’s a bad bill. It’s all for-show.
Finally, a law that actually makes sense. It’s time to purge our nation of those with divided allegiances. True Americans should be proud to stand with America, not hide behind their foreign connections. You’re either an America only or you’re not. Simple as that.
Nah, it isn’t. But, nice try. Further dividing Americans is not the solution. You’re a hack.
STFU Retard
Quiet, piggie.
Open wide and swallow a mouthful of my Chi Hsuan spunk
You first.
I can’t wait for ICE to find you and send you back where you came from… or somewhere else. Just not here
I’d imagine Chi Hsuan is probably based overseas already anyway…
And his spunk would taste of Omega despair.
So, in your mind, making a person with, say, Swedish and American citizenship claim US citizenship alone will change how they feel about Sweden? That is one of the dumbest things I’ve heard here.
Doing away with the Dual citizenship is long due.
One cannot be loyal to both the countries. Its impossible, especially in a case when there is a diplomatic tensions/wars.
Dual citizenship has been contrary to the US constitution
Here is the first sentence of the oath to the US constitution(Anyone who became a naturalized citizen).
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;
Especially for congresspersons and judiciary appointments, only those born in the US should hold office, just like the Presidents.
Agree!
Disagree!
From Supreme Court: “ the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that “dual citizenship is “a status long recognized in the law” and that a U.S. citizen cannot lose their citizenship unless they willingly surrender it.”
Agree!
Disagree!
Does citizenship confer a need for loyalty? Take a native born American citizen. What obligation do you have to be “loyal?” I know people love to say “love it or leave it,” but that isn’t necessarily an option. Citizenship, while offering some benefits, also has the ability to tie someone to a particular place even if they don’t necessarily want to be there.
This bill has 0% chance of passing, but as an American citizen, you have to right to be un-loyal, and in fact stand against everything the nation stands for. If you believe in the First Amendment, you should respect one’s right to hold that position, even if you may not agree with it.
Yes. Jerry gets it. Thank you.
STFU Bitch
That’s what Xi said.
Sit upside down, open your mouth, and piss.
You… first…
Lick the dorsal side of my scrotal sack you useless tool.
You *cough* first *burp*
Which brings me to the question of why Chit Hstain isn’t blocked in these comments. He contributes nothing of substance, only moronic, sexist, homophobic and juvenile posts that make Dave Edwards read like John Updike.
You’re an oxygen thief, mate. If you disappeared from the face on the earth, nobody would feel anything other than mild relief.
Lay off my comments, children.
Eh, you only partially got it that time…
There are some interesting implications that this moronic senator doesn’t know. He hates his original country so thinks everyone is on the same boat. As someone who was born in Brazil, I had no choice but to leave the hospital with a Brazilian birth certificate. Since my mother is Brazilian, that’s the law there. When my kids were born in the US, I learned that Brazil has a very specific law that kids born of Brazilian parents outside Brazil, have to claim Brazilian citizenship at the nearest Consulate. Brazil does not issue visas to Brazilians meaning even if my kids showed up at the Brazilian Consulate with their US passport, they would not get a visa to go to Brazil since their parents are Brazilians. So it is not that simple as if we wanted a collection of passports but more following the law.
Yeah, Senator Moreno is employing typical right-wing ‘if it doesn’t affect me, personally, then I don’t care’ logic. Or, worse, the MAGA-version: ‘if it hurts the people I hate, then I don’t care if it hurts me, too.’
Santastico, same as you born in Brasil have citizenship and nothing I can do. Interestingly, I am Swedish since birth as my father was Swedish. Many years ago naturalized as a US citizen. My kids are not Brazilian citizens and were issued visas to visit Brazil years ago. Sweden until early 2000s required choice, but because Brazil considers us Brazilian no mater what, I didn’t have to make this choice. Sweden eventually relaxed its laws allowing for multiple citizenships. Now, I have been in the US over 2 decades and I can very well align my allegiances between my countries without conflict.
Hold up Matthew, you served in the Air Force?? As a pilot?
USAF taught me how to fly, but I ultimately did not become a pilot.
” Exclusive Citizenship solves a problem that does not exist ”
Agreed. But this nation has become obsessed with manufactured conflicts paired with unfortunate solutions..
Maryland, what do you think will be the 2018-era ‘migrant caravan’ attempted manufactured crisis for 2026? Is it the ‘special military operation’ against ‘narco-terrorism’ in the Caribbean/Venezuela? Wag the dog!
The reality is this. Many dual citizens have family in the country they originated from. Often, as they age, one may need to go back to spend a year or two to assist those who may be sick or somehow suffering. By this change that dual passport holder who abandoned the non US passport out of force would not be able to stay for periods of care for them.
Lastly, I have trouble imagining the enforcement of this. I highly suspect most countries will refuse the US any data on those who hold dual and in some cases may have no idea. Nor can the US government constitutionally revoke citizenship that was given because of this. The entire thing is idiotic. Could they refuse dual citizenship for future immigrants who choose the US? Possibly.
Good points. It is unenforceable, unless people voluntarily disclose and renounce other citizenships. Like, if they pass anything like this, just simply do not comply. Do the equivalent of a ‘make me’ if they try. Fight it. Sue. As the right-wingers pretend to say, ‘be ungovernable.’ Psh.
Good luck senator Moreno
https://www.newsweek.com/melania-trump-immigration-lawyer-response-new-citizenship-bill-11147641
Wildes gets it.
“Our founding parents and many of our first presidents were dual nationals of both the United States and other countries—including our then-enemy, Great Britain,” he said.
He added that “to claim that our military personnel are not loyal simply because they are not U.S. citizens, or that dual nationals cannot devote their full service to this country, is preposterous.”
He also criticized what he described as gaps in the bill’s logic, noting that it “does not address the large population of Americans who are born dual citizens or multinationals.”
According to Wildes, “America’s military presence abroad results in American citizens born overseas who are eligible for both U.S. and foreign citizenships.”
If the proposal were to pass, federal agencies would be required to build a new system to identify and process all dual nationals—an unprecedented administrative task—while facing rapid legal challenges that would likely delay or halt implementation.
Sounds like its ripe for so-called ‘waste, fraud and abuse.’ Bah. The irony.
The filibuster in the senate will likely help this terrible idea never see the light of day. Lots of people with big money and I’m sure a significant number of members of congress hold multiple passports — so this makes this less likely…..as congressional self-interest and the needs of the rich seem to be the real drivers of what happens in this country it seems.
There are potential constitutional issues too with something like this but with today’s Supreme Court I’m not sure that matters anymore. Hopefully this is just typical right wing messaging legislation to feed the base.
I shake my head in dismay when I see stuff like this bill come up and cry for what this country is becoming. If they make people choose, they might be surprised with the choices a certain number of impacted people make given the current direction of things.
This is just another freedom that certain people want to take away from the people. Wasn’t this country at some point about expanding freedoms? I’m old enough to remember that this was at some point a goal in the US.
They could tie it into budget reconciliation at some point, though, the Senate parliamentarian should prevent that, and if not them, then the Supreme Court, but, seeing as the courts are corrupted…
Also, yeah, one party pretends to care about ‘freedom,’ but then when they get in power, they just do tax cuts for the rich and take away freedoms for everyone else. You’d think we’d have learned not to trust them by now…
If you disagree, what do you think of restricting only those holding public office?
At least people elected to federal and state office should be Americans only.
On the topic of non-office holders, Americans need a common interest, and it is obvious, as you alluded, that holding dual citizenship is contrary to that idea. It also cheapens what it means to be an American. See T. Roosevelt on the topic.
It also cheapens the meaning of voting in US elections. Why should dual citizens be allowed to control the fate of 2 different countries in some cases? That creates a super-citizen.
Finally, 1967 is not long ago. My parents gave up citizenship to become Americans. They also flew a US flag I had to take down every night as a kid.
In theory it seems practical that those with high security clearances might be scrutinized more depending on which country the dual citizenship is with. But, honestly, does that necessarily prevent favoritism to a country a politician might be linked to in sentiment? Trump certainly does not hold a dual passport to Russia but it has not stopped him from displaying loyalties to Putin and the Federation.
Bottom line, what are you hoping to prevent that could not happen anyway?
Well said. Trump really is Putin’s puppet. (She was right.)
“At least people elected to federal and state office should be Americans only”. Not only that. They should be born in the US like the law to become president. You should not have a Colombian born senator decide what is good or not for Americans.
Zing!
Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary. As long as the public knows that a person is a dual citizen or not, or for that matter even not a US citizen, if enough people choose to vote for that person then there’s really no reason. In my opinion why they should not be elected. If the right person came along with a public wanted who is not a citizen, right now, they could not run for president, but all that does is stops the public from having its choice of leader. You may recall that Arnold Schwarzenegger who was not a bird in the United States and therefore not correctly eligible to become president was popular enough that summoned the GOP wanted to see if they could change the Constitution cuz they thought of him as a sellable candidate. I’m a Democrat myself and frankly I would have had no trouble voting for Arnold for president. I did vote for him the second time he ran for governor here in California. It’s really the person, not the citizenship that matters.
I once again ask a simple question: do you really think a person’s allegiance changes when they drop citizenship in another country? This is the dumbest thing I have read here (but I no longer read the posts of the person with a digital ID, so you’ve probably only second place)
You say that, but, you know you do. ‘Something-something doth protest too much something…’
Here in Australia this is constitutionally mandated. Even eligibility for a non-Australian citizenship renders one ineligible to stand for federal parliament. The vast majority of Australians consider this to be a good thing.
They also think forcing people to vote is a good thing. I respectfully disagree with both. But, as one who has spent more than 50 months in Australia this century, I never enter political conversations as a guest.
I respectfully disagree with your respectful disagreement and support Australia’s mandatory voting requirements for its citizens; also, I don’t care for your subtle attempt at urging others to self-censor. PeteAU is welcome to comment and contribute on US politics, especially because of our country’s outsized influence and impact on the rest of the world, including Australia. 50 months is a long time; did you not consider applying for citizenship down there?
Most Americans don’t know that if only one of your parents is/was a US citizen at the time of your birth, you are not automatically. That parent must have lived in the US for at least 5 years, 2 years or more when they were over 14 years old. So it’s not possible for a US citizen to pass on their US citizenship to many future generations if they permanently move from the US. Their grandchildren are likely to not be US citizens.
If both parents are US citizens, there isn’t this requirement.
derek, that’s a bit mislead, because you need to emphasize that you’re referring to children born outside the US.
Let’s be clear: Any child born on U.S. soil (including the 50 states, D.C., and certain territories) is automatically a U.S. citizen, regardless of the parents’ citizenship or immigration status, under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
Same in Brazil. Their law is “jus soli” so anyone born in Brazil automatically acquires Brazilian citizenship by birth. And as I said above, you cannot simply ignore that and show up at the Brazilian Embassy with a US passport and request a visa to go to Brazil. You will be denied because you are automatically Brazilian. It is not a choice.
Exactly. And that difference between jus soli and jus sanguinis (by blood) is where things get interesting, and why in many cases people obtain and keep multiple citizenships. Hence by the Senator’s proposed legislation is likely harmful to a lot of people, and helps no one, other than to posture with increasingly nationalistic rhetoric.
My cousin who is also a dual national, made the mistake of not renewing his Brasilian passport and entered with his Swedish passport. Boy, did he have a hard time leaving the airport to go see the family and then not being able to leave until he rectified his passport renewal.
How lovely, what next in Trumpton? Exit visas to make sure no one leaves the country?
(Don’t give them ideas…)
To add to the Israeli-American discussion, many Jewish American serve honorably in IDF, sometimes years at a time. Never has anyone questioned their loyalty to their home country despite literally serving in a foreign military.
This seems in the end just grandstanding by a politician who has previously demonstrated attention-getting theatrics.
Bingo!
I’m a dual citizen of the UK and the US. I live in the UK and have never lived in the US; my citizenship there comes from my parents, who were born in the States.
And honestly, if the U.S. really wants to crack down on dual citizenship, I can’t say I’d be heartbroken. In fact, it might even be a fantastic favor to me. After all, nothing screams ‘freedom’ like having to file taxes for a country I don’t live in and have never lived in. Truly a perk I’d miss terribly.
Since the U.S. is one of the only countries that insists on taxing people who aren’t even there, losing that citizenship would spare me the annual joy of deciphering forms for a place I only visit on holiday.
Quite ironic too — the nation that once revolted against “taxation without representation” has turned it into a modern tradition. Meanwhile, if I ever moved to the U.S., the UK wouldn’t demand a thing from me, because apparently it hasn’t mastered the art of taxing people who don’t live under its flag.
Let’s see what comes out of this. For all purposes, there is nothing that says this was an idea from Trump, Rubio, etc… This came from a nobody senator that had grievances with his home country and wants to show off. Read what Melania Trump law said about this moronic idea. It won’t go anywhere. If you read about the first lady she has said many times how proud she is to keep her Slovenian citizenship and pass that to her son. I doubt this will go anywhere and Trump can veto it if it passes.
I hope you’re correct on this.
You do, actually, renounce your “loyalty” to another country when you get sworn in.
The US doesn’t recognize your dual status. In fact, there is no such thing as “dual citizenship” as far as the US goes. It’s just that it “doesn’t not recognize” your citizenship of another country.
Other than explicitly stating that the US doesn’t recognize the citizenship of US citizens as also citizens of another country, I don’t see how it could be enforced.
The US could send a form with your statement that you renounce your citizenship in another country, but I doubt there are many countries that would accept a form from the US government as adequate to renounce your birth country.
For Italy at least (duo US-Italian here), the only way to “renounce” Italian citizenship is making a sworn statement to a designated Italian official like a judge or consular official. Renouncing Italian citizenship to a foreign official is not recognition of renouncing citizenship.
The same goes for a US citizen who wishes to renounce US citizenship – they must renounce their citizenship to a US official like a US embassy official. Renouncing US citizenship to a foreign government is nonsensical.
Re the Israel USA situation. What exactly does the USA get from Israel? Is it a relationships that benefits both parties? Why does the USA need Israel?
For this situation specifically i think you’ll find that Israelis will always put Israel first. Demonstrating why this bill has been raised.
I’m no fan of Netanyahu or his right-wing extreme coalition, but, please, the people of Israel, generally, remain our strategic and historic allies, especially as a productive democracy in that particular region. Yes, lobbyists from that country have outsized influence on our politicians here, yet, that’s all a separate issue from this Senator’s bogus bill.
Not just Israelis – thousands of Taiwanese citizens have US passports. Probably just as many Israelis. Pregnant Taiwanese women still make trips to give birth in the US so their children can have US passports. Many gay Taiwanese men deliberately choose to have surrogacy done in the US so their children will have US passports. I would think these people would be shaking in their boots upon hearing that they might have to give up their US passports.
Pam, do you say that with positive intent, or are you disparaging both Taiwanese and gay people?
Fortunately, Trump actually did a decent thing yesterday (December 2), by signing new legislation requiring the U.S. State Department to regularly review and update guidelines on how the United States officially interacts with Taipei. The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, which Trump signed into law on Tuesday, says the U.S. State Department should carry out reviews of contacts with Taiwan no less than once every five years. Taiwan (Republic of China) is a free, democratic, sovereign country with wonderful people whom we should support and defend as our allies.
Further, I applaud Japanese PM Takaichi’s earlier comments that an attack on Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” one that could allow Tokyo to engage in military action. However, she started to walk that back recently, which is a little disappointing, as we need a regional coalition in E. Asia and globally to deter Xi’s aggression there and in the S. China Sea.
How about no dual citizenship for countries that have universal healthcare?
Israeli-Americans do not have any conflicting loyalty – they are loyal only to Israel. Just ask Israeli-American spies like Jonathan Pollard who was trusted with America’s most classified secrets only to betray America and pass the secrets to Israel. He got caught but Israel pressured for his release and Trump let him go. He was receiving in Israel by Netanyahu and was given a hero’s welcome.
Dear Author:
Can you say the pledge of allegiance to two flags?
That’s (of course) absurd. Goodbye dual citizenship–please and thank you.
I only pledge to the Lord Jesus Christ…
Tucker Carlson isn’t a dual citizen but he’ll say anything the Russians or Qataris want him to if the price is right, so I don’t think the problem of loyalty is who issued your passport or how many you have.
My spouse and I both acquired citizenship in each other’s country of origin after our marriage. I was born in Australia, but I became a US citizen by choice. We’re longstanding allies with a common language and cultural heritage. I also often despair at the US, as is anyone’s right, citizen or otherwise. I pay taxes in both countries and have significant assets invested in both. We now have aging parents that need care, so it saves a lot of hassle being able to go back and forth with no time limits. The idea that we fail some kind of loyalty test is idiotic jingoism. Our situation reflects the reality of having family and social ties spread across borders.
In any case, this bill is going nowhere. Just the usual dumbass media hijacking by a Trump sycophant looking for his 10 minutes on TV.
BTW, Arnold Schwarzenegger has dual citizenship. How about if he wants to run for another elected office, we let him? And, everybody who thinks he should renounce his Austrian citizenship can factor that into their decision on who to vote for. For me, I figure the first thing someone who’d want to inappropriately favor his Austrian homeland would do. Is to renounce their Austrian citizenship.
The ‘born on US soil’ requirement for the presidency is kinda silly in modern times. Like, Arnold is more ‘American’ than many Americans. That said, he shouldn’t need to renounce his Austrian citizenship; these are all human constructs anyway; we can make, change, and even not-enforce such rules, especially if they are unnecessary (or harmful). We have the capacity to change, improve, and also to do nothing. (Oh, I know you say you don’t read my comments, which is totally fine; you do you, though, I suspect you do read anyway. I read your stuff. *wink*)
Moreno is a total insane clown. Why don’t he just shut up and resign.