Trump STRIPS Citizenship—Thousands Could Lose Everything

The Trump administration is dramatically escalating efforts to strip citizenship from naturalized Americans who concealed crimes or committed fraud during naturalization—a policy shift that could affect thousands while finally enforcing immigration integrity that past administrations ignored.

Story Snapshot

DOJ memo from June 2025 directs aggressive pursuit of denaturalization cases, targeting fraud and undisclosed criminal records
USCIS plans to refer 100-200 cases monthly to DOJ starting in 2026—an 80-160 fold increase from historical average of 15 cases yearly
New policy expands beyond traditional national security concerns to include Medicare fraud, procedural errors, and cases deemed “sufficiently important”
Federal judges retain authority to reject cases that don’t meet high legal standards, providing crucial checks on government power

Trump Administration Restores Immigration System Integrity

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate issued a Department of Justice memo on June 11, 2025, directing U.S. attorneys to prioritize denaturalization proceedings against naturalized citizens who obtained citizenship through fraud or misrepresentation. The directive marks a fundamental departure from decades of lax enforcement, when denaturalization averaged just 15 cases annually across both Democratic and Republican administrations. Even during Trump’s first term from 2017-2021, the administration filed only 102 denaturalization cases total over four years—a modest enforcement effort that failed to adequately address immigration fraud.

Massive Enforcement Expansion Targets Fraud and Criminal Concealment

USCIS has deployed experts to field offices nationwide to systematically review naturalization cases for potential fraud. The agency plans to refer 100-200 cases monthly to DOJ beginning in 2026, translating to 1,200-2,400 annual cases. USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser emphasized the agency maintains a “zero-tolerance policy towards fraud in the naturalization process” and will “relentlessly pursue those undermining the integrity of America’s immigration system.” Priority categories include individuals who pose national security dangers, engaged in war crimes or human trafficking, committed Medicare or Medicaid fraud, or otherwise defrauded the government through a broad catch-all provision for cases deemed “sufficiently important.”

Legal Safeguards Protect Against Government Overreach

Federal courts provide essential protections for naturalized citizens facing denaturalization proceedings. Attorney Adrian Pandev, drawing on DOJ Office of Immigration Litigation experience, emphasizes denaturalization cases require meeting a “very high standard” of proof before federal judges will revoke citizenship. The Supreme Court has imposed restrictions forbidding denaturalization in certain circumstances, and judges retain full authority to reject government claims lacking sufficient evidence. Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi notes that while the DOJ memo signals aggressive pursuit of cases beyond traditional national security concerns, USCIS referrals do not automatically translate to successful denaturalization. This judicial gatekeeping function ensures due process protections remain intact.

Policy Addresses Years of Immigration System Abuse

The denaturalization expansion operates as part of Operation Janus, a coordinated USCIS-DOJ initiative targeting immigration fraud that previous administrations neglected. DOJ has already secured denaturalization of individuals like Baljinder Singh, whose immigration status reverted to lawful permanent resident, making him subject to removal proceedings. Cases include diversity visa fraud involving individuals like Humayun Kabir Rahman who failed to disclose prior removal orders, and sex offenders who concealed criminal histories during naturalization. In January 2026, DOJ filed proceedings to revoke naturalization of a former Peruvian Army Commander, demonstrating the policy targets serious cases involving potential human rights violations and national security concerns.

Enforcement Balances Security With Constitutional Protections

The policy reflects common-sense enforcement of existing law rather than creation of new legal authority. Denaturalization has been codified into U.S. law for decades, with historical precedent including pursuit of Nazi war criminals who fled to America under false pretenses after World War II. The current expansion ensures that naturalized citizenship—a privilege earned through honest disclosure and lawful process—cannot be obtained through fraud without consequences. While approximately 19 million naturalized U.S. citizens live in America, the actual number facing denaturalization will be far smaller, limited to those who demonstrably committed fraud or material misrepresentation. Federal judges’ requirement for high standards of proof protects legitimate citizens while enabling removal of those who fraudulently obtained citizenship by concealing crimes or lying during the naturalization process.