U.S. Senator Ted Cruz says he has started the process to officially renounce his Canadian citizenship.
Cruz told the Dallas Morning News he has "retained counsel that is preparing the paperwork to renounce the citizenship,” adding he hoped to complete the legal procedure in 2014.
Cruz acknowledges being born in Calgary, Alta. on Dec. 22, 1970.
He released his birth certificate to the Morning News in August after speculation he was not a natural, U.S. born citizen -- which would make a run for U.S. president in 2016 ineligible.
A Texas Republican and Tea Party favourite, Cruz was born to a Cuban father and U.S.-born mother. His mother's status has allowed him to be a citizen of both the United States and Canada, but he told reporters in August, "Nothing against Canada, but I'm an American by birth and as a U.S. senator; I believe I should be only an American."
That the Texas senator is considering seeking the Republican nomination in 2016 is an open secret in Washington.
However, he told the Morning News his decision to renounce his Canadian citizenship doesn't necessarily have to do with plans for a presidential run.
“My political perspective is focused on representing the state of Texas,” he said.
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