Dual Citizenship in the US: From Taboo to Norm—and Back Again?
Today, dual citizenship seems commonplace. A second passport offers mobility, protection, and a backup plan. But if you think the US has always been comfortable with dual citizenship, history will surprise you.
For a long time, American law abhorred the very idea of dual citizenship. It was considered as almost moral aberration—civic polygamy. And only in 1990 something happened that changed the course of history forever.
But now, everything could go backwards. In the 19th century, the principle of perpetual allegiance—"eternal fidelity"—was in effect. Born in the country? That's it. You're its citizen forever.
Everything began to change when people began migrating in masse. A conflict of laws arose, as many were born in one country but had hereditary roots in another, that is:
• jus soli – citizenship by birth
• jus sanguinis – citizenship by blood
As a result, millions of people automatically became dual citizens without even knowing it. Let me point out right away that the government apparatus never liked this. Especially when:
- a naturalized American returned to his homeland and was drafted into the army;
- a US citizen voted abroad;
- or (even worse) held office in another country.
- The US for a long time actively punished "infidelity":
- In 1907, an American woman lost her citizenship simply by marrying a foreigner.
- During the Cold War, it was enough to vote in a foreign election to lose a US passport.
US citizenship was very precarious, and it could be revoked for any offense.
The turning point happened in 1967, when the US Supreme Court ruled that citizenship is a right, not a privilege, and can only be revoked through voluntary renunciation.
But the turning point was only in 1990, when the US State Department officially:
• abandoned the practice of persecuting dual citizens;
• stopped considering the possession of a second citizenship as an intent to renounce US citizenship.
From that moment on, the US de facto accepted dual citizenship.
And now, in December 2025, a new bill has been introduced.
If passed, the US will effectively outlaw dual citizenship.
This bill proposes:
• prohibiting simultaneous US and foreign citizenship;
• giving existing dual citizens one year:
• any new foreign citizenship → immediate loss of US citizenship.
BUT! The chances of this bill passing are minimal, ALTHOUGH, with some minor tweaking and legal support, something might still work out.
The problem lies in the US Constitution and its 14th Amendment, which clearly states that loss of citizenship is only possible through voluntary, informed renunciation. All that remains is to begin the battle over what constitutes voluntary and informed renunciation.
In any case, the initiative itself is very frightening, as it clearly demonstrates the bipolar sentiment in the world: everyone who is not with us is against us. And Canada, too, always follows US policy, to a greater or lesser extent.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Canadian Immigration and Refugee Consultant.
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