U.S. Lawmaker Seeks to Outlaw Dual Citizenship Amid Loyalty Concerns

NEW YORK - Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno is pushing for a nationwide ban on dual citizenship, arguing that holding more than one citizenship raises concerns about national loyalty and conflicting interests. His proposal has sparked debate among immigrants, legal scholars, and community advocates, including one Ohio State University professor who views the idea as misguided.

The United States has long been described as a cultural and intellectual melting pot, shaped by generations of immigrants who carry experiences from multiple countries. Dr. Brian Edmiston, a professor at The Ohio State University and a citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, represents this global identity. Born in Northern Ireland, he gained dual citizenship at birth and later emigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s, becoming a naturalized American roughly two decades ago. His personal and professional life spans three countries, reflecting a modern, interconnected world.

Supporters of the proposed ban, including Ohio College Republican leader Gabe Guidarini, believe that dual citizenship undermines exclusive allegiance to the United States. They argue that American citizenship should require full commitment and that maintaining additional citizenships may create divided loyalties or conflicts of interest. Moreno’s bill states that U.S. citizenship should be held exclusively and frames dual citizenship as a potential national security concern.

Critics counter that dual and multiple citizenships enrich American society and do not inherently diminish a person’s loyalty. They warn that eliminating dual citizenship could complicate legal immigration, penalize long-term residents who maintain family ties abroad, and place individuals in difficult personal and cultural positions. Some argue that identity, belonging, and civic participation cannot be reduced to a single passport, and that forcing individuals to choose may weaken—not strengthen—the nation’s diversity.

Opponents of the ban maintain that America benefits from citizens who bring global perspectives and connections, and they fear that restricting dual citizenship could discourage immigrants who contribute significantly to the country’s social and economic fabric. They contend that the nation’s strength comes from inclusion, not exclusion, and question whether the proposed policy aligns with the country’s long-standing identity as a welcoming and diverse society.