Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, a Colombian-born naturalized American who took the oath of allegiance at 18, has introduced a controversial new proposal called the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025. The bill seeks to end the long-standing practice of dual citizenship in the United States by requiring every American to hold only U.S. nationality.
Under this legislation, citizens who currently possess a second passport would have one year to give it up. Anyone who refuses would be considered to have “voluntarily relinquished” their U.S. citizenship. Moreno and supporters argue the bill is meant to ensure “exclusive allegiance” to the country and prevent divided loyalties.
The proposal quickly ignited national debate. Critics warn that millions of Americans — from immigrants to children of immigrants — could be forced into difficult, life-altering decisions. Legal scholars also question whether stripping citizenship automatically would withstand constitutional scrutiny, with some insisting it violates established due-process protections. Others highlight the practical fallout, noting that dual citizenship often supports family ties, international careers, and cultural identity.
The political spotlight intensified due to an unexpected angle: the potential impact on Melania Trump and her son, Barron. Melania, originally from Slovenia, reportedly still holds Slovenian citizenship. Barron is also believed to have Slovenian nationality through her. If the bill becomes law, both would be obligated to renounce it or risk losing their American citizenship. Melania’s former immigration attorney criticized the proposal as “preposterous,” reminding the public that the U.S. has long allowed dual nationality, even among prominent political figures.
Ultimately, the bill touches deeper questions about identity, loyalty, and what it means to belong in a globalized world. Supporters frame it as a commitment to national unity; opponents argue it threatens immigrant communities and American values. For the Trumps, it could turn a personal matter into a high-stakes political dilemma.
