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Bill Could Restrict Asylum for Dual Citizens

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 14:02 GMT by Travel + Leisure

Washington, D.C. - January 14th, 2026 - A controversial bill introduced in late 2024 is sending ripples through the American legal and immigrant communities, potentially reshaping the landscape of dual citizenship in the United States. The "Denying Asylum to Dual Citizens Act of 2024," currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee, proposes significant restrictions on asylum eligibility for Americans holding citizenship in countries the U.S. deems threats to its national security.

The core of the bill targets individuals who are citizens of countries designated by the U.S. as state sponsors of terrorism or those engaged in activities considered harmful to American foreign policy interests. While the U.S. has historically allowed dual citizenship, this legislation seeks to create a significant barrier to asylum for those with such affiliations.

The Scope of the Impact: Millions Potentially Affected

The sheer scale of the potential impact is staggering. Estimates suggest that between 5 and 7 million Americans currently hold dual citizenship. While a significant portion of these individuals maintain citizenship with countries like Ireland, Italy, Israel, Mexico, and Canada - all generally considered allies - the bill's broad language raises concerns about its application. The uncertainty stems from the discretionary nature of the "harmful to national security or foreign policy interests" clause.

"This bill represents a significant departure from established precedent regarding dual citizenship," explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of international law at Georgetown University. "The ambiguity in defining 'activities harmful to the national security' leaves individuals vulnerable to arbitrary denial of asylum based on the actions of their second country, over which they may have little to no control."

This ambiguity is a key point of contention. An American citizen holding dual citizenship with a country currently designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, but who themselves pose no threat to the United States, could be deemed ineligible for asylum if they were to flee persecution in their country of origin.

Criticism and Concerns Raised by Experts

The bill has drawn immediate criticism from legal experts and advocacy groups. Sarah Sheff, an immigration lawyer with Miller & Zois, argues that it "effectively strips people of their right to seek asylum based solely on their citizenship." This sentiment is echoed across the legal community, with concerns centered on the bill's potential for overreach and the unjust targeting of legitimate asylum seekers.

Beyond individual asylum cases, the bill's implications for U.S. foreign policy are also being scrutinized. Critics argue that the legislation could damage relationships with allied nations, particularly those with large diasporas holding dual citizenship. For example, restricting asylum access for citizens of Israel, a key U.S. ally, could strain diplomatic relations.

"This isn't just about individual cases; it's about the message we're sending to the world," states Marcus Chen, policy director at the American Immigrant Defense Project. "This bill could be perceived as punishing individuals for the actions of their government, which is fundamentally unfair and counterproductive to fostering positive international relations."

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of today, January 14th, 2026, the "Denying Asylum to Dual Citizens Act of 2024" remains in the House Judiciary Committee. Its progress is uncertain, and its fate will depend on ongoing debates and potential amendments. While the bill's chances of becoming law are not guaranteed, its introduction signals a potential hardening of U.S. policy on dual citizenship and a willingness to scrutinize the citizenship affiliations of those seeking refuge within the country. Experts predict significant lobbying efforts from both proponents and opponents of the bill in the coming months, making the legislative process a closely watched one. The committee hearings promise to be contentious, with proponents arguing for enhanced national security and opponents emphasizing the importance of humanitarian protections and international alliances.