Here's an interesting twist: the immigration lawyer who once helped Melania Trump navigate her citizenship journey is now calling out a Republican bill that could theoretically affect her status. Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney, law professor, and Englewood mayor, told Newsweek on Wednesday that Sen. Bernie Moreno's proposal to end dual citizenship is essentially toothless.

Why This Matters for the First Family

Wildes isn't just throwing shade for fun. He's got a personal connection to this story, having previously represented the First Lady when she needed clarification on her immigration status. And here's the kicker: both Melania Trump and her son Barron Trump with President Donald Trump hold dual citizenship in Slovenia and the United States.

According to Wildes, a bill without legal force is "just a piece of paper." The United States, like many other nations, has long allowed dual citizenship whether people gain it through naturalization or by birth. He pointed out that several early American leaders, including some presidents, were dual nationals themselves. The idea of questioning the loyalty of non-citizen service members or dual citizens? Wildes calls that absurd.

What Moreno's Bill Actually Proposes

The Ohio Republican introduced the "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025" earlier this week, and it's pretty aggressive. The legislation would require U.S. citizens to have exclusive allegiance to America. Anyone with dual citizenship would have one year from the bill's enactment to formally renounce their foreign citizenship.

Miss that deadline? You'd be considered to have voluntarily given up your U.S. citizenship. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to establish regulations and procedures for declaration, verification, and record-keeping of exclusive citizenship.

Moreno framed it in stark terms: "Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege — and if you want to be an American, it's all or nothing. It's time to end dual citizenship for good."

If somehow this thing passes, it would take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Part of a Broader Immigration Overhaul

This dual citizenship proposal isn't happening in a vacuum. The Trump administration has been actively working to tighten immigration policies across the board. Back in September 2025, reports surfaced that the administration was planning a more challenging U.S. citizenship test, potentially introducing an essay requirement. That move was framed as part of a push for stricter legal immigration pathways and increased scrutiny of applicants' "good moral character."

The administration has also appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the legality of an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship under specific conditions. These developments point to a comprehensive effort to redefine and restrict what U.S. citizenship means.

On a different note, in November, USCIS submitted a draft Form I-140G to the Office of Management and Budget, advancing the Trump Gold Card program. This visa targets individuals who can offer a "substantial benefit" to the United States. Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee, provide timely documents, and if approved, make a $1 million gift before receiving permanent residency under EB-1 or EB-2 classifications.