The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025: What Dual Citizens Need to Know And How Americans Can Strategically Relocate in 2026
Published by Expats Living Abroad (ELA) — December 2nd, 2025
On Monday, December 1, 2025, the U.S. political landscape took a sharp turn as Senator Bernie Moreno introduced Senate Bill 3283, officially titled the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025. The proposal immediately lit up the global mobility, relocation, and international tax worlds because it directly targets one of the pillars of modern global living: dual citizenship.
If passed in its current form, this bill would make the United States a “sole allegiance” country, echoing restrictive regimes like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea and would require U.S. citizens with another nationality to choose: keep your U.S. passport or renounce the other one. There would be no in-between.
For American expats, digital nomads, globally mobile families, multinational entrepreneurs, and especially high-net-worth individuals with structured international portfolios, this proposal isn’t just legislative noise, it’s a potential lifestyle disruptor. It impacts mobility, investment residency strategies, long-term planning, tax considerations, and even choices about where your children go to school or where you retire.
ELA is here to break down what this means right now, what the smart next steps look like, and how to position yourself for 2026 with confidence rather than panic.
What Is the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025?
S.3283 proposes that American nationality must be exclusive. That means:
U.S. citizens who currently hold another citizenship would be required to renounce their foreign nationalitywithin a defined compliance period.
Anyone who acquires a foreign citizenship in the future would be legally treated as having renounced U.S. citizenship automatically.
The U.S. would formally join countries with strict single-citizenship policies.
Although the bill has its supporters, who argue it reinforces traditional national loyalty, it also faces constitutional questions, bipartisan criticism, and expected court challenges. Historically, citizenship-stripping laws meet resistance in U.S. courts.
In short: this is serious, but it is not law yet. There is time to strategize.
What This Means for Dual Citizens Right Now
If you’re a dual citizen or actively pursuing another passport, this bill might feel like a curveball. But the smartest move right now is structured, informed planning, not chaos.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. You Still Keep Your U.S. Citizenship Today
Nothing changes immediately. Existing passports remain valid. Travel remains the same.
2. The Bill May Change, Stall, or Be Blocked
Like many controversial bills, S.3283 could:
Die in committee
Be heavily amended
Face court injunctions
Take months or years to pass (if at all)
3. But Smart Global Individuals Prepare Early
While we aren’t in panic territory, we are in strategic-action territory, where documentation, mobility planning, and residency pathways matter more than ever.
ELA is already supporting clients with contingency planning to ensure they maintain global optionality, travel freedom, and high-quality lifestyle choices no matter what Congress decides.
If You're a Dual Citizen: Your Strategic Options
Let’s unpack the game plan for Americans who want to stay empowered instead of uncertain.
Option 1: Hold Your Position — Monitor, Document, Prepare
This is the “cool head” route.
You:
Keep your U.S. citizenship
Keep your foreign citizenship
Wait for more clarity
Build a documentation vault (birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, residency permits, tax filings, etc.)
This keeps all your options open while avoiding irreversible moves.
Option 2: Secure Residency (Not Citizenship) Abroad
Residency is the loophole that keeps your global freedom intact without triggering any automatic loss of U.S. nationality if the bill passes.
Residency ≠ citizenship.
Residency lets you live, work, invest, access healthcare, and send your kids to school abroad — without acquiring another nationality.
Top residency-friendly destinations for Americans in 2026:
Mexico — proximity + ease
Straightforward Temporary → Permanent Residency process
Dual citizenship allowed (for those who qualify)
Low cost of living and strong expat communities
Family-friendly, retiree-friendly, business-friendly
Portugal — EU access + lifestyle
The D7, D8, and investment fund residency routes remain strong
Excellent healthcare and schools
Long-term path to EU citizenship (if desired later)
Panama — efficient + low-bureaucracy
Friendly Nations Visa is still one of the most approachable residency programs
Banking stability and investor-friendly environment
Warm climate and clear path to permanent residency
Canada — stable + familiar
Dual citizenship allowed
World-class schooling, healthcare, and social structure
Strong immigration pathways for professionals and entrepreneurs
If you want to maintain U.S. citizenship but increase mobility, this is your smartest long-term play.
Option 3: Pursue a Second Passport — With Legal Review
If you’re seriously considering citizenship-by-investment (St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, etc.) or citizenship through descent (Ireland, Italy, Poland, etc.), you’ll need legal guidance ASAP.
Under the proposed bill, qualifying for a foreign passport could be interpreted as renouncing your U.S. citizenship.
These programs still exist. But proceed with expert advice and a clear risk profile.
Option 4: Commit to Your U.S. Citizenship and Renounce Your Other Nationality
If the U.S. passport is non-negotiable for you or your family, this is the cleanest path but it’s not a decision you make lightly.
ELA works with clients to coordinate:
Embassy appointments
Required documentation
Impact assessments (tax, inheritance, mobility, residency rights, and more)
This choice is final, so it must be handled deliberately.
Best Countries for Americans Looking to Relocate in 2026
If the U.S. introduces stricter citizenship rules, many Americans will shift toward residency-first pathways that offer safety, stability, and high quality of life without renunciation risks.
Here are the most strategic choices for 2026:
Mexico — The New North American Base
Why Americans love it:
Short flights home
Affordable private healthcare
Vibrant, diverse cities (Mérida, CDMX, Guadalajara, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Oaxaca)
Dual-citizenship-friendly policies
Strong digital nomad ecosystem
For families and professionals who want cultural richness, business opportunities, and lifestyle upgrades without the complexity of Europe, Mexico ranks #1.
Portugal — Soft Landing Into Europe
Portugal gives Americans an EU foothold with:
High quality of life
Favorable tax conditions (depending on category)
Top-tier education
A proven track record with American expats
Clear residency pathways even after the 2023 Golden Visa reforms
If you’re seeking European sophistication with chill vibes, this is a winner.
Panama — Efficient and Predictable
Americans choose Panama for:
Easy immigration structure
Strong banking laws
English-friendly business environment
Warm weather year-round
Low cost of living outside Panama City
It’s ideal for entrepreneurs, retirees, and those who want a “Plan B residency.”
Canada — Familiar and Secure
Canada is the U.S.’s most straightforward relocation partner:
Shares cultural alignment
High-trust institutions
Great for families and young professionals
Dual citizenship allowed
Strong tech, medical, and finance sectors
If you want stability without culture shock, Canada delivers.
What to Do Right Now: Your December 2025 Checklist
This is your tactical blueprint heading into 2026.
1. Build your digital + physical documentation vault
Passports, citizenship paperwork, birth certificates, residency permits, marriage records, tax returns.
2. Establish a legal advisory team
You need:
Immigration attorney
International tax advisor
Cross-border estate planner
Constitutional law specialist (if dual citizenship is core to your case)
3. Choose your top two target countries for residency
Then gather the required documents before timelines tighten.
4. Pause citizenship applications until you have legal clarity
Residency is safe. Citizenship may become complicated.
5. Engage ELA to coordinate your relocation strategy
We streamline the process end-to-end so you can focus on outcomes, not paperwork.
How ELA Supports You Through the Exclusive Citizenship Act Era
With geopolitical shifts accelerating, Americans aren’t just asking “Where can I move?”
They’re asking:
“How do I secure global mobility for my family without risking my U.S. citizenship?”
That’s where ELA steps in.
We offer custom, concierge-level support for HNW individuals, families, investors, and globally mobile professionals.
Our Signature ELA, Expats Living Abroad Relocation Services Include:
1. Document Audit + Secure Vault Setup
We organize, certify, digitize, and secure every document you’ll ever need for residency or mobility applications.
2. Residency Strategy Design (Mexico, Portugal, Panama, Canada, and more)
We run side-by-side comparisons to show you the clearest, safest route based on your lifestyle, risk profile, and long-term goals.
3. Immigration + Tax Expert Alignment
We connect you with vetted professionals in dual citizenship law, cross-border tax planning, trusts, and international compliance.
4. Hands-On Application Management
We handle:
Consular appointments
Translations
Police clearances
Birth/marriage certificate procurement
Apostilles
On-the-ground relocation logistics
5. HNW Mobility + Relocation Concierge
Including:
International real estate support
Private schooling pathways
Global insurance
Banking & asset structuring
Move-in coordination
Cultural onboarding
Our mission isn’t just to help you relocate, it’s to help you thrive globally while maintaining stability at home.
Final Thoughts: This Is a Moment for Strategy, Not Fear
The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 is a serious proposal, and dual citizens should absolutely pay attention — but this is not a moment for panic. It’s a moment for proactive planning.
The smartest Americans in 2026 will be those who:
Maintain optionality
Prioritize residency pathways over rushed citizenship decisions
Protect their documents
Establish mobility plans early
Leverage experts instead of navigating this alone
ELA stands ready to support you with clarity, structure, and a forward-thinking blueprint that honors both tradition and global opportunity, the perfect balance for this new era.
Ready to Protect Your Global Mobility?
Book your ELA Exclusive Citizenship Strategy Session today.
Let’s co-create your 2026 mobility plan, aligned with your lifestyle, your values, and your long-term goals.
To begin, simply comment below reply: “INTAKE” and send us your EOIs via our Contact Us page.
We’ll take it from there.
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