Redekop raises concerns over proposed U.S. dual-citizenship ban

Brent Jones
December 7, 2025 at 5:37 AM

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop says a proposed American law to eliminate dual citizenship could disrupt daily life for many residents in border communities, including those who cross the Peace Bridge for work.

Redekop spoke to Buffalo news outlet WIVB this week about the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, a bill introduced by Republican senator Bernie Moreno. As reported by WIVB, the legislation would require anyone holding U.S. citizenship and citizenship from another country to choose one, with a one-year deadline to renounce the other.

Redekop spoke to Buffalo news outlet WIVB this week about the Exclusive Citizenship Act, which would require U.S. citizens to renounce citizenship from another country. Credit: WIVBTV | YouTube

“If you’re a Canadian with American citizenship, you live in Canada but you work in the States, you have to give up one of those citizenships,” Redekop told WIVB. “Whichever one you give up then creates visa issues with respect to the other country.”

Redekop told the station the proposal could affect “quite a bit larger” numbers of people than many assume, noting that cross-border mobility is essential for residents on both sides of the Niagara River.

According to WIVB’s reporting, dual citizenship has historically been allowed in the United States, and previous Supreme Court decisions have supported that position. The broadcaster said similar concepts have been discussed in Canada over the years but have not advanced.

The bill, if passed by Congress, would take effect 180 days after it is enacted, WIVB reported.

Redekop said border towns like Fort Erie could feel the impact first because of the number of people who rely on citizenship status to work, visit family, and move freely between the two countries.

“That would be probably the first and foremost concern of people that live along the border here,” he said.