Key Takeaways
• DOJ memo from June 11, 2025 prioritizes denaturalization for fraud and serious crimes.
• Up to 25 million naturalized citizens could be affected by expanded revocation policies.
• Denaturalization cases happen in civil court with no guaranteed lawyer provided.
The United States 🇺🇸 has always treated citizenship as a serious legal status, offering rights and protections to those who hold it. However, citizenship is not always permanent for everyone. For naturalized citizens—people who were born outside the United States 🇺🇸 and later became citizens—the government can take away citizenship under certain conditions. This process is called revocation of citizenship or denaturalization. Recent changes in government policy have made this process more common and have raised important questions for millions of Americans.
Below, you’ll find a clear explanation of what revocation of citizenship means, who can be affected, how the process works, and what it means for individuals and families. This guide also covers the legal background, recent policy changes, and what you can do if you or someone you know is at risk.
What Is Revocation of Citizenship?
Revocation of citizenship means that the United States 🇺🇸 government takes away a person’s citizenship status. For naturalized citizens, this is called denaturalization. Once someone is denaturalized, they lose all the rights and protections that come with being a U.S. citizen. This can include the right to vote, the right to hold a U.S. passport, and the right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 without fear of being deported.
Why Has Revocation of Citizenship Become More Common?
The Justice Department Memo and Policy Changes
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a new memo that changed how the government handles denaturalization. This Justice Department Memo told federal lawyers to focus more on cases where naturalized citizens may have committed certain crimes or lied during the citizenship process. The memo encourages lawyers to use their power to start denaturalization cases in civil court, especially when the person is seen as a threat to the country.
The memo highlights several types of cases as top priorities:
– War crimes and crimes against humanity
– Extrajudicial killings and serious human rights abuses
– Terrorism
– Gang-related crimes
– Other serious offenses that threaten U.S. security
– Fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalization process
This change means the government is now more likely to try to take away citizenship from people who fall into these categories. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this policy shift could affect up to 25 million naturalized citizens living in the United States 🇺🇸.
Legal Grounds for Revocation of Citizenship
Not every mistake or crime can lead to denaturalization. The law sets out specific reasons why the government can take away someone’s citizenship. The main legal grounds are:
1. Fraud or Willful Misrepresentation
If a person lied or hid important facts when applying for citizenship, the government can start the denaturalization process. This includes:
– Hiding a criminal record
– Not telling about connections to terrorist groups
– Lying about other facts that would have made them ineligible for citizenship
Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1425) makes it a crime to get citizenship through fraud. If someone is convicted of this crime, their citizenship is automatically taken away. The penalties can be severe:
– Up to 10 years in prison for basic fraud
– Up to 20 years if the fraud is linked to drug trafficking
– Up to 25 years if the fraud is connected to terrorism
If a court finds someone guilty of naturalization fraud, their citizenship is revoked without needing a separate civil case.
2. Serious Crimes After Naturalization
Even after becoming a citizen, certain actions can lead to denaturalization. These include:
– War crimes or crimes against humanity
– Extrajudicial killings
– Serious human rights abuses
– Terrorism or acts that threaten national security
– Gang-related crimes or other felonies that pose ongoing threats
The Justice Department Memo specifically tells lawyers to focus on these types of cases.
How Does the Denaturalization Process Work?
Denaturalization cases are handled in civil court, not criminal court. This difference is important for several reasons:
- No guaranteed right to a lawyer: In criminal cases, the government must provide a lawyer if you can’t afford one. In civil denaturalization cases, you do not have this right. You must find and pay for your own lawyer.
- Lower burden of proof: In criminal cases, the government must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil denaturalization, the government only needs “clear and convincing evidence.” This makes it easier for the government to win these cases.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the process usually works:
Step 1: Investigation
Government agencies such as the DOJ or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigate suspected fraud or criminal activity by a naturalized citizen.
Step 2: Referral and Filing
If they find enough evidence, the DOJ files a civil denaturalization complaint in federal court.
Step 3: Notice to Defendant
The person is officially notified that the government is trying to take away their citizenship.
Step 4: Court Proceedings
The case goes to civil court. The government must prove its case with clear and convincing evidence. The person can defend themselves, but they must pay for their own lawyer.
Step 5: Judgment
If the court agrees with the government, the person’s citizenship is revoked.
Step 6: Post-Revocation
Once citizenship is revoked, the person may be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. They lose all the rights and protections of citizenship.
For more information about the naturalization process and related forms, you can visit the official USCIS Naturalization page.
What Happens After Citizenship Is Revoked?
Losing citizenship has serious consequences. Here’s what usually happens:
- Loss of all citizenship rights: The person can no longer vote, hold a U.S. passport, or claim any benefits reserved for citizens.
- Risk of deportation: Most people who lose citizenship return to their previous immigration status. If they were a permanent resident before, they might keep that status. But if they had no legal status before, they can be deported.
- Family impact: If the person sponsored family members for green cards or citizenship, those family members might also face legal problems.
- Difficulty returning: Once deported, it is very hard to return to the United States 🇺🇸 legally.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The new policy affects all naturalized citizens, but some groups are more likely to be targeted:
- People who lied or hid facts during the citizenship process
- Individuals convicted of serious crimes after becoming citizens
- Those with ties to terrorism, gangs, or human rights abuses
If you think you might be at risk, it’s important to talk to a qualified immigration lawyer as soon as possible.
Historical Background: How Has Denaturalization Changed Over Time?
Denaturalization is not new, but it used to be rare. In the past, the government mostly used it against people who committed war crimes (such as Nazi collaborators) or who got citizenship through obvious fraud. Under President Trump, the government started more denaturalization cases, especially against people accused of fraud. The current Justice Department Memo, released in 2025, builds on this trend and makes denaturalization a higher priority.
Courts have generally supported the government’s power to revoke citizenship in cases of fraud or serious crimes. However, some civil rights groups worry that the new focus could lead to mistakes or unfair treatment, especially if people do not have lawyers.
Rights and Protections for People Facing Denaturalization
If you are facing denaturalization, you still have some rights:
- Right to be notified: The government must tell you if they are starting a denaturalization case against you.
- Right to defend yourself: You can present evidence and argue your case in court.
- Right to appeal: If you lose in court, you can appeal the decision to a higher court.
However, you do not have the right to a government-paid lawyer. This makes it very important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Fraud During Naturalization
Maria, who moved to the United States 🇺🇸 from another country, applied for citizenship using Form N-400. She did not mention a past criminal conviction in her home country. Years later, the government discovered the omission. Maria was charged with naturalization fraud, convicted, and her citizenship was automatically revoked. She was then placed in removal proceedings.
Example 2: Serious Crime After Naturalization
Ahmed became a U.S. citizen in 2010. In 2026, he was convicted of a serious gang-related crime. The DOJ reviewed his case and started civil denaturalization proceedings. After a court hearing, his citizenship was revoked, and he faced deportation.
Practical Implications for Immigrants and Families
The government’s new focus on denaturalization has several practical effects:
- Increased anxiety: Many naturalized citizens worry about losing their status, even if they have done nothing wrong.
- More investigations: The government is more likely to review past applications and look for mistakes or fraud.
- Need for legal help: Because there is no automatic right to a lawyer, people must find and pay for their own legal defense.
- Family uncertainty: Families may face separation if a parent or spouse loses citizenship and is deported.
What Should You Do If You’re Worried About Denaturalization?
If you are concerned about the revocation of citizenship, here are some steps you can take:
- Review your naturalization application: Make sure there were no mistakes or omissions. If you discover a problem, talk to a lawyer right away.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division and USCIS.
- Seek legal advice: If you receive any notice from the government about your citizenship, contact an immigration lawyer immediately. Organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can help you find qualified legal help.
- Keep records: Save copies of all documents related to your immigration and citizenship status.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Denaturalization Policy?
The Justice Department is expected to keep expanding denaturalization efforts in 2025 and beyond. This means:
– More cases each year: The number of denaturalization cases is likely to rise.
– Closer review of new applications: USCIS will look more carefully at new citizenship applications and may investigate people even after they become citizens.
– Possible legal changes: Some lawmakers want clearer rules to protect people’s rights while still allowing the government to act against fraud and serious crimes.
– Ongoing debate: Civil rights groups and legal experts will keep watching these cases and may challenge unfair practices in court.
Where to Find More Information
If you need more details or want to check your own situation, use these official resources:
- U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): aila.org
Conclusion: Staying Safe and Informed
The revocation of citizenship is a serious issue that can change lives overnight. The recent Justice Department Memo has made denaturalization more common, especially for those accused of fraud or serious crimes. If you are a naturalized citizen, it’s important to understand your rights, keep your records in order, and seek legal help if you have any concerns.
Staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your family. For the latest updates and expert analysis, VisaVerge.com reports that monitoring government policy and seeking timely legal advice are key steps for anyone worried about denaturalization.
Remember, citizenship is a valuable status—protect it by staying aware and taking action if needed.
Learn Today
Revocation of Citizenship → Legal process removing citizenship, often due to fraud or serious crimes after naturalization.
Denaturalization → Specific term for revocation of citizenship for naturalized individuals.
Justice Department Memo → June 2025 directive prioritizing denaturalization cases involving fraud, terrorism, or serious crimes.
Clear and Convincing Evidence → Legal standard in civil denaturalization cases, lower than criminal proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Naturalization → Process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen under law.
This Article in a Nutshell
The United States has intensified denaturalization efforts since June 2025, focusing on fraud and crimes. Over 25 million naturalized citizens may be affected. Losing citizenship ends rights and could lead to deportation. Legal defense is crucial as cases are civil, lacking government-provided attorneys, raising concerns about fairness and access to justice.
— By VisaVerge.com
