A legislative proposal in the United States has reignited debates among dual citizens living in Europe. Many argue that, if forced to choose, they would retain their European citizenship.
On December 1, 2025, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio introduced the bill to the U.S. Senate. "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025"The proposal, if approved, would require Americans with dual citizenship to choose between a U.S. passport and any other nationality.
Although experts point out that the project is unconstitutional and unlikely to be approved, it has caused apprehension among American citizens living abroad.
To better understand this feeling, the The Local, a European news publisher focused on expatriates, migrant workers, and second home owners, conducted a survey with its readers in Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, and Norway.
Almost half would give up their passports.
Of the 146 participants in the survey, 72 said they would give up their U.S. citizenship if forced to choose. Most reported sadness at the prospect, but stated they feel more connected to life in Europe.
A feeling of political detachment was one of the main factors cited.
“I don’t want to live there anymore. The financial declaration requirements are absurd, the German passport is stronger, and I simply don’t want to be ‘American’ anymore,” said Sara Anthony, 36, originally from Oregon and residing in Münster, Germany.
Patrick L., 38, from Wisconsin, who lives in Berlin, shared the same sentiment: “Although I feel American at heart, I no longer recognize the country where I grew up.”
Others reported a stronger sense of belonging to the European country where they reside.
“That would break my heart, but I would choose France. I’ve lived longer in Paris than anywhere else in my life. I truly feel at home here,” said Angela, from Michigan.
Ryan, from California, stated: “My life is here, my wife is French, my son will be too. My future is French, not American.”
Personal safety concerns also frequently appeared in the accounts.
“I love my country, but I feel increasingly alienated and afraid of US politics. I am a transgender person and I fear for my life in at least half of the American states,” said Orion Diamond, 31, from Arizona, who lives in Lund, Sweden.
Eden Gallanter, from San Francisco, who lives in Stockholm, reported: “My wife, my daughter, and I fled the U.S. to live in Sweden because my wife, a trans immigrant, doesn’t feel safe there.”
An anonymous reader living in Germany said: "[I am] part of a minority group that has always struggled to feel like it belongs or is valued by the U.S."
Even so, some of those interviewed expressed concern about the rise of the far-right in Europe. "I'm also starting to worry about the direction Germany might be taking," added the same reader.
Preference for quality of life
Other respondents stated that they preferred the European lifestyle.
“I earn more delivering food by bicycle in Sweden than I did as a machine operator in a factory in the US. I have no reason to go back,” said Zachery Schaftlein, 31, from Tennessee, who lives in Stockholm.
Richard DeCarlo, 57, from Buffalo, New York, lives in the south of France and stated that he prefers a society “focused on family, quality of life, and work-life balance. One that embraces the future of renewable energy, infrastructure, and public transportation.”
An anonymous reader, also from Sweden, summarized: “Schools in the US are unsafe, social security is uncertain, healthcare is expensive, and housing is unaffordable. The country has traded the well-being of future generations for the profits of the rich.”
Why do some Americans say they wouldn't give it up?
About a quarter of those surveyed said they would retain their American citizenship, even if given a choice. Reasons included financial costs and emotional attachment.
“The economic cost of giving it up is high. I have retirement and pension savings that could be jeopardized,” said Ian, 47, who lives in Stockholm. Charles Vestal, 43, from Berlin, added: “It would be prohibitively expensive to do that.”
Others argued that abandoning citizenship would mean denying part of their identity.
“Your heart can be in two countries. Turning your back completely on the U.S. is absurd,” said Conner, 36, from California, who lives in Ireland.
For Kent Ozkum, 63, from Washington DC, who lives in Nice, "I wouldn't feel comfortable being considered fully European."
Undecided people prefer to wait.
Many still don't know what they would do. The complexity of the decision involves family, finances, and political convictions.
"It all depends on whether the mindset of MAGA "[Trump] will continue to dominate the Republican Party and if the Republicans remain in control," said Larry Schulz, 79, who has lived in Munich since 1980.
Bob, 64, from Colorado, commented: “The big question is: do I need to decide this today or can I wait? For now, I can wait. Tomorrow…”.
Citizenship will not be revoked by law.
There's no reason to rush. A YouGov poll revealed that only 31% of Americans support requiring naturalized citizens to renounce their foreign citizenship.
Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to all those born or naturalized in the country. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the government cannot revoke citizenship as punishment or due to a change in policy.
Despite this, the debate rekindled profound reflections among Americans who have built a life outside the U.S.
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