The Trump administration has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to aggressively pursue denaturalization proceedings against foreign nationals who obtained U.S. citizenship through fraud or who pose a threat to national security.
In a June 11 memo sent to DOJ’s Civil Division, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate ordered attorneys to “prioritize and maximally pursue” the revocation of citizenship in all cases permitted by law. The new directive comes as part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the naturalization process and protect American communities.
“Denaturalization is a necessary tool to uphold the sanctity of citizenship,” Shumate stated. “Individuals who lie, conceal criminal histories, or pose a threat to our national security have no right to the benefits of American citizenship.”
The memo specifically highlights those with ties to terrorism, espionage, or the illegal export of sensitive technology as key targets, along with individuals convicted of serious crimes. The policy also aims to prevent convicted terrorists from returning to the U.S. or traveling abroad under the protection of an American passport.
One recent case involved an individual originally from the United Kingdom who fraudulently obtained citizenship in 2012 after concealing a criminal background. The individual later joined the U.S. Army and was eventually convicted for collecting and distributing child sexual abuse material. DOJ attorneys successfully stripped the person of their citizenship last month.
“If you commit serious crimes before becoming a U.S. citizen and lie about them during naturalization, the Justice Department will uncover the truth and take action,” Shumate warned.
The move reflects the Trump administration’s continued crackdown on immigration fraud and its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify sex offenders and national security threats who slipped through the cracks of the naturalization process.
The DOJ said denaturalization cases will remain a priority moving forward, sending a clear message that U.S. citizenship is not a shield for those who broke the law to obtain it.