In a decision that stirred both constitutional law and personal choice, a federal court in Wyoming has ruled that a man who renounced his U.S. citizenship decades ago cannot possess firearms on American soil. The case, Dorrance, III v. United States Attorney General, centers on John T. Dorrance III, a man who grew up in Missouri, spent years in Wyoming, and later chose to become a citizen of Ireland. The full order, issued on July 22, 2025, explains why his challenge to federal gun laws failed. The recap of the case outlines the long legal path and how the court applied a historical lens to the Second Amendment.
The Life He Left Behind
According to the court documents, Dorrance and his family owned a 16,000-acre ranch near Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. They lived there for twenty years. But in 1993, for reasons that were never explained in court, he renounced his American citizenship and adopted Irish citizenship. Now living in the Bahamas, he still visits the ranch regularly, sees his children and grandchildren in Texas, and hunts in Wyoming and Texas under state-issued hunting licenses.
Why the Gun Ban Matters
What brought him to court is a part of federal law few pay attention to: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(7). This section bars anyone who has renounced their U.S. citizenship from owning or even possessing a firearm. That prohibition applies no matter if they live legally in the country, even on a visa. The judge noted that this was not a new law, but one that has been part of the federal framework since the Gun Control Act of 1968.
His Arguments in Court
Dorrance argued that the ban violated his rights under the Second Amendment and the Fifth Amendment. He claimed the ban was unconstitutional because he still has strong ties to the U.S., pays taxes through investments, visits frequently, and even holds hunting permits. He also challenged the law for treating him differently from noncitizens who never held U.S. citizenship but can sometimes qualify for exceptions if they are here to hunt or for sport.
The Court’s Focus on Allegiance
The federal court, in the decision described in the District of Wyoming court document, applied the Supreme Court’s Bruen test, which says gun laws must be consistent with the nation’s historical traditions. The court concluded that there is a long tradition in America of denying firearms to people who do not pledge loyalty to the country. The judge cited Revolutionary-era rules that forced people who refused allegiance to surrender their guns.
Why Renouncing Matters
The court also made a distinction between people who are just noncitizens and those who actively renounced their citizenship. This difference, the judge wrote, is crucial because it shows a deliberate act of disavowing loyalty to the United States. To the court, this made Dorrance fall squarely within the kind of people that early American laws aimed to disarm.
The Exception That Didn’t Save Him
Section 922 includes an exception in 922(y)(2)(A), which allows certain noncitizens on non-immigrant visas to possess firearms if they have hunting permits. Dorrance thought this applied to him, but the court ruled that the exception does not override the specific ban for people who renounced citizenship. The court explained that this ban is its own category, separate from other alien restrictions.
Fifth Amendment Claim Rejected
Dorrance also argued under the Fifth Amendment that it was unfair for other visa-holders to get hunting exceptions while he could not. The judge rejected this argument too, saying that people who renounce their citizenship are not in the same legal position as those who never held U.S. citizenship at all. That distinction, according to the ruling, is enough to treat the groups differently.
Washington Gun Law Explains
In a video summary of the case, William Kirk from Washington Gun Law broke down the ruling in plain language. He pointed out that the court’s logic rested entirely on allegiance. As Kirk explained, “To renounce your citizenship and become a citizen of a foreign country includes not only a declaration of allegiance to a country other than the United States but also a repudiation of allegiance to the United States.” He emphasized that this is why, on Form 4473 when buying a gun, there’s a specific question asking if you have ever renounced your citizenship.
What Makes This Case Fascinating
This case stands out because it deals with a scenario most Americans never think about. Few people consider the long-term consequences of renouncing their citizenship. Once you do, it’s not just about passports and taxes. According to the court’s reasoning, it’s also about trust, loyalty, and the right to bear arms. What makes it even more intriguing is how tightly the court tied today’s law to events and attitudes that existed during the Revolutionary War. It’s a direct link between past and present.
A Strict and Thought-provoking Ruling
Looking at it from the outside, the ruling is both strict and thought-provoking. The reasoning has a certain logic: if you publicly cut ties with a nation, can you expect to enjoy the full rights of that nation when you come back? Still, it raises hard questions about people like Dorrance who spend their lives here and have deep roots but are treated differently because of a decision made decades ago. This shows how a single legal choice can have effects lasting for the rest of someone’s life.
What Comes Next
For now, the court’s dismissal means that John T. Dorrance III cannot own or possess a firearm anywhere in the United States. Whether he appeals is yet to be seen. William Kirk suggested in his video that there might be further action, but for now, the precedent remains firm: renouncing citizenship shuts the door on the Second Amendment.
A Warning for Others
This case is a clear reminder for anyone considering renouncing their citizenship. The decision shows that federal law draws a hard line on this issue. And as this ruling proves, when it comes to firearms, that line cannot be crossed. For anyone who loves hunting or believes in their right to self-defense, the price of renunciation might be higher than expected.
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Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.