Key Takeaways
• On July 1, 2025, DOJ began prioritizing denaturalization for fraud and national security threats among naturalized citizens.
• Civil denaturalization requires a lower proof standard and may lack guaranteed legal representation for defendants.
• Denaturalization risks include investigation, civil lawsuit, court decision, potential citizenship loss, and deportation proceedings.
As of July 1, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a major push to revoke the citizenship of certain naturalized Americans. This move, outlined in a June 11, 2025 memo from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, directs U.S. attorneys to “prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings” in cases involving criminal conduct and national security threats. The new policy marks a significant shift in how the government approaches the rights of naturalized citizens and raises important questions about legal protections, due process, and the future of U.S. citizenship.
Who Is Affected and Why the DOJ Is Acting Now
The DOJ’s new focus targets naturalized citizens who may have obtained their citizenship through fraud, misrepresentation, or by hiding important facts during the naturalization process. The policy also zeroes in on people who pose threats to national security, such as those linked to terrorism, espionage, or the illegal export of sensitive technology. Others at risk include individuals convicted of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or serious human rights abuses, as well as gang members and those seen as ongoing threats to public safety.
The Department of Justice says these efforts are meant to protect the country and uphold the integrity of the citizenship process. By focusing on people who may have lied or hidden information to become citizens, or who later commit serious crimes, the DOJ aims to send a clear message: U.S. citizenship is a privilege that can be lost if it was obtained dishonestly or if the person becomes a danger to society.
How the Denaturalization Process Works
Denaturalization is the legal process of taking away someone’s citizenship after they have already become a U.S. citizen. The DOJ is now using civil denaturalization actions more often. These are lawsuits filed in federal court, not criminal cases. Civil cases have a lower standard of proof than criminal cases, which means the government does not have to prove its case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Instead, it only needs to show that it is more likely than not that the person obtained citizenship illegally or by lying.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how civil denaturalization works:
- Investigation: Federal agencies like the DOJ, FBI, ICE, and USCIS Fraud Detection units investigate cases where they suspect someone became a citizen through fraud or committed serious crimes after naturalization.
- Filing a Civil Suit: If there is enough evidence, the DOJ files a civil denaturalization lawsuit in federal court.
- Lower Burden of Proof: The DOJ must prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” (meaning more than 50% likely) that citizenship was obtained illegally or by fraud.
- Court Hearing: The court reviews the evidence. The person facing denaturalization may or may not have a lawyer, since civil cases do not guarantee the right to free legal representation.
- Decision: If the court agrees with the DOJ, the person’s citizenship is revoked.
- Consequences: After losing citizenship, the person may face removal (deportation) proceedings and lose all rights that come with being a U.S. citizen.
In some cases, such as when someone is convicted of naturalization fraud in a criminal court, citizenship can be automatically revoked by law without a separate civil hearing. This shows how serious fraud allegations are in the eyes of the government.
For more details on the official process, you can visit the USCIS page on Denaturalization.
What the Law Says About Losing Citizenship
The legal basis for denaturalization is clear: if someone obtained citizenship by illegal procurement, concealment of material facts, or willful misrepresentation during the naturalization process, the government can take away their citizenship. “Illegal procurement” means the person was not actually eligible for citizenship but got it anyway. “Concealment of material facts” and “willful misrepresentation” mean the person lied or hid important information that would have affected their eligibility.
The DOJ’s new policy makes it clear that anyone who falls into these categories is at risk, especially if they have criminal convictions or are seen as threats to national security.
Why This Matters: Practical Implications for Naturalized Citizens
The DOJ’s aggressive approach has real consequences for naturalized citizens across the United States 🇺🇸. Here are some of the most important effects:
- Increased Risk of Denaturalization: Anyone with a criminal record or questionable naturalization history faces a higher risk of losing their citizenship. Even long-time citizens could have their cases reopened if new evidence comes to light.
- Legal Defense Challenges: Because civil denaturalization cases do not guarantee a right to a government-provided lawyer, people facing these lawsuits may have to pay for their own legal defense. This can be expensive and difficult, especially for those who do not have the resources to hire an experienced immigration attorney.
- Uncertainty and Fear: The possibility of losing citizenship—even years after being naturalized—creates anxiety and uncertainty for many immigrants. Some may worry about minor mistakes or misunderstandings from years ago coming back to haunt them.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the lower standard of proof in civil cases and the lack of guaranteed legal representation make it much easier for the government to win these cases, putting naturalized citizens in a vulnerable position.
Historical Context: How Denaturalization Has Changed
Denaturalization has always been a rare and serious action, usually reserved for the most extreme cases involving fraud or major crimes. In the past, the government used this tool sparingly, focusing on people who posed clear dangers or who had lied about their backgrounds in major ways.
The Trump administration first expanded the use of denaturalization as a way to target criminals and security threats. Now, in 2025, the DOJ is taking this approach even further, making denaturalization a top priority in its immigration enforcement strategy. This reflects a broader trend toward stricter immigration enforcement and a focus on national security.
Legal and Ethical Concerns: What Experts Are Saying
Many immigration attorneys and legal experts are raising concerns about the DOJ’s new policy. They warn that the lower evidentiary standards and the civil nature of these proceedings make it easier for the government to take away citizenship, sometimes without giving people a fair chance to defend themselves.
Some of the main concerns include:
- Due Process: Civil cases do not guarantee the right to a lawyer. This means people who cannot afford private attorneys may have to represent themselves in complex legal battles.
- Risk of Mistakes: With a lower burden of proof, there is a greater risk that innocent people could lose their citizenship by mistake.
- Chilling Effect: The fear of denaturalization may discourage immigrants from fully participating in society or reporting crimes, out of concern that any mistake could put their citizenship at risk.
Advocates for immigrant rights argue that these aggressive efforts could lead to wrongful revocations and undermine trust in the immigration system. Legal experts stress the need for transparency and careful oversight to prevent abuses of power.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While the DOJ says it is focusing on serious criminals and national security threats, the broad language of the new policy means that many naturalized citizens could be affected. Those most at risk include:
- People who may have made mistakes or omissions on their naturalization applications, even if unintentional.
- Individuals with criminal convictions, especially for crimes involving moral turpitude (serious dishonesty or immoral behavior).
- People accused of being involved in terrorism, espionage, or illegal export of sensitive technology.
- Those suspected of war crimes or human rights abuses, even if these actions happened outside the United States 🇺🇸.
It’s important to note that even long-established citizens are not immune. If new evidence or suspicions arise, the DOJ can reopen cases and pursue denaturalization.
What Should You Do If You’re Worried About Denaturalization?
If you are a naturalized citizen and are concerned about your status, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Review Your Naturalization Records: Make sure all the information you provided during your application was accurate and complete.
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: If you have any concerns about your eligibility or past conduct, talk to an experienced immigration lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and options.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in immigration policy and enforcement. The Department of Justice Civil Division and USCIS offer official information on citizenship and denaturalization.
- Know Your Rights: Even in civil cases, you have the right to present evidence and argue your case in court. Legal help can make a big difference.
If you are facing a denaturalization lawsuit, it is critical to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Some immigration law firms, such as McBean Law, offer consultations and support for those at risk.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Denaturalization Policy?
The DOJ’s current approach is likely to continue and even expand in the coming years. Here’s what experts expect:
- Broader Categories: The DOJ may start targeting more types of cases, not just those involving serious crimes or national security threats.
- More Resources: Increased funding and cooperation between agencies like the DOJ, FBI, and USCIS will make it easier to find and prosecute denaturalization cases.
- Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups and legal experts are preparing to challenge the policy in court, arguing for stronger due process protections and fair treatment for all naturalized citizens.
As the policy evolves, it will be important for naturalized citizens, their families, and their communities to stay informed and prepared.
Key Takeaways for Naturalized Citizens and Their Families
- Citizenship Can Be Lost: U.S. citizenship is not always permanent. If it was obtained through fraud or if the person becomes a serious threat, the government can take it away.
- Civil Denaturalization Is Easier for the Government: The DOJ’s use of civil lawsuits, with a lower standard of proof and no guaranteed right to a lawyer, makes it easier to revoke citizenship.
- Legal Help Is Essential: If you are at risk, get legal advice right away. An experienced immigration attorney can help you defend your rights.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with changes in policy and know where to find official information.
For more details on citizenship and denaturalization, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
Conclusion
The Department of Justice’s renewed focus on denaturalization marks a major change in how the United States 🇺🇸 treats naturalized citizens. While the goal is to protect the country from fraud and security threats, the policy also raises serious questions about fairness, due process, and the meaning of citizenship. Naturalized citizens should review their records, seek legal advice if needed, and stay informed about their rights. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the new approach makes it easier for the government to revoke citizenship, so it is more important than ever for immigrants to understand the risks and take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Learn Today
Denaturalization → Legal process of revoking citizenship after naturalization, usually for fraud or criminal conduct.
Civil Denaturalization Action → A federal lawsuit with a lower burden of proof to revoke citizenship.
Preponderance of the Evidence → Standard of proof meaning more than 50% likelihood to prove a claim.
Naturalization → The process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting legal requirements.
Due Process → Legal principle ensuring fair treatment and rights in legal proceedings.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting July 2025, the DOJ prioritizes revoking citizenship through civil lawsuits for naturalized Americans involved in fraud or security threats, lowering proof standards and stressing legal defense needs.
— By VisaVerge.com
