…Bill Could Force Thousands To Choose Between Nigeria, America
…Lawmaker Cites “Divided Loyalties”
…. 38,890 Nigerians May Be Affected
Daud Olatunji
Thousands of Nigerians living in the United States may soon face an unprecedented dilemma as a new US bill seeks to end dual citizenship for American nationals.
The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Bernie Moreno, a Colombian-born US lawmaker, aims to compel Americans holding multiple nationalities to renounce all foreign allegiances. Moreno argued that dual citizenship fosters “conflicts of interest and divided loyalties.”
“One of the greatest honors of my life was becoming an American citizen at 18. I pledged allegiance to the United States—ONLY to the United States. Being an American citizen is a privilege, and if you want it, it’s all or nothing. It’s time to end dual citizenship for good,” Moreno said during a congressional hearing.
The proposed legislation could have far-reaching consequences for high-profile Americans, including First Lady Melania Trump, who holds US and Slovenian citizenship. But Nigerians, in particular, stand to be heavily affected. Data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows that 38,890 Nigerians were naturalized as US citizens between 2021 and 2023, making Nigeria the only African country in the top 20 nations with newly naturalized Americans.
Currently, Nigerian law allows citizens by birth to retain their nationality even after acquiring another citizenship, setting the stage for a potential legal clash with the proposed US restrictions. Immigration lawyers warn that the legislation could force Nigerians to make a tough choice between their Nigerian heritage and American nationality.
“If this bill passes, it may force Nigerians in the US to choose between their Nigerian heritage and their American citizenship—a tough and unprecedented decision,” said Mrs. Folake Adeyemi, a Lagos-based immigration lawyer.
Political analyst Dr. Chukwuemeka Okoro noted that dual citizenship has long allowed Nigerians abroad to maintain economic, cultural, and familial ties. “Any restriction will not only affect individuals but could also strain Nigeria-US relations,” he said.
The bill follows earlier controversial attempts by former President Donald Trump to limit automatic citizenship for children born in the US to undocumented immigrants—a move still challenged in courts. Experts say Moreno’s proposal could reshape the legal and social landscape for dual nationals worldwide, particularly Nigerians with strong transatlantic connections.
The legislation is expected to face intense debate in Congress, while Nigerians with dual nationality continue to watch closely, concerned about the potential impact on families, businesses, and communities.
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