US to End Dual Citizenship: What Filipinos Should Know

The United States may soon require its citizens to choose loyalty to only one country. Senator Bernie Moreno has introduced the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, a bill that aims to end dual or multiple citizenship for U.S. citizens. If the law passes, Americans who hold a foreign citizenship will have to renounce it or give up their U.S. citizenship.

What is the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025?

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The bill makes it illegal for U.S. citizens to hold citizenship in another country. Anyone who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship after the law takes effect will automatically be considered to have relinquished their U.S. citizenship. Existing dual citizens will have one year to decide which citizenship to keep. They can either renounce their foreign citizenship with the U.S. State Department or renounce their U.S. citizenship with the Department of Homeland Security. Failure to act within the one-year period will be treated as voluntary loss of U.S. citizenship. The law is set to take effect 180 days after enactment, giving federal agencies time to implement the necessary systems for declaration, verification, and recordkeeping.

Also read: PH Travellers Safe from New US Visa Bond Rule

Who will be affected

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Filipino Americans and other dual citizens could be significantly affected. Many Filipinos living in the U.S. hold both U.S. and Philippine passports. If the law passes, they will have to make a clear choice about which citizenship to keep. The State Department will manage verification and records, while the Department of Homeland Security will ensure those who lose U.S. citizenship are recorded properly and treated as foreigners for immigration purposes.

Also read: Trump to Ban Obese Immigrants and Special Needs Children from U.S.

What do Filipino dual citizens need to know

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Filipino dual citizens must act within one year of the law’s enactment. If they do not, they risk losing their U.S. citizenship automatically. Anyone who acquires foreign citizenship after the law becomes active may also lose their U.S. citizenship automatically. Those who only hold U.S. citizenship without any foreign citizenship will not be affected. The law still needs to pass Congress and be signed into law before it can take effect.

How will the law be enforced

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The U.S. Department of State will handle declarations and verification, while the Department of Homeland Security will update records and enforce the rules. Citizens will be required to report foreign citizenship, and failure to comply could result in automatic loss of U.S. citizenship. Federal agencies will have 180 days after the law is signed to set up the systems needed for enforcement.

Also read: Trump Pauses Migration: US Does Not Welcome Migrants From Poorer Countries

Why this matters to Filipinos

Dual citizenship gives flexibility for travel, work, and residency in both countries. If the law passes, this flexibility could disappear. Filipinos with both U.S. and Philippine citizenship may have to make life-changing decisions about allegiance, travel, and legal rights. Those planning to acquire U.S. citizenship in the future should also consider how this bill could affect them.

The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 could reshape dual citizenship in the U.S., affecting millions worldwide, including Filipinos. If you hold both U.S. and Philippine citizenship, stay informed, plan ahead, and know your options. Understanding this law is crucial to protect your rights and maintain your travel and residency flexibility.

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