(UNITED STATES) — The Justice Department’s January 5, 2026 civil suit against Sead Miljkovic underscores a hard practical reality: U.S. citizenship obtained through identity lies or hidden misconduct can be undone years later, and the government does not need a prior criminal conviction for the underlying human-rights allegations to pursue denaturalization.
In the complaint, DOJ seeks to revoke Miljkovic’s 2007 naturalization under 8 U.S.C. § 1451, alleging immigration fraud and concealment of facts tied to Bosnian war crimes. If DOJ proves its case, Miljkovic would revert to noncitizen status and could then face removal proceedings, and potentially extradition, depending on Bosnia’s request and U.S. processes.
The case arrives amid a broader enforcement push. DOJ and DHS have repeatedly framed denaturalization as a “process integrity” tool aimed at alleged persecutors, war criminals, and serious fraudsters. The Miljkovic filing also illustrates how modern denaturalization cases are often built from cross-agency records: old refugee and adjustment files, naturalization applications, passport materials, and foreign law-enforcement information such as INTERPOL notices.
What law controls: denaturalization’s “illegal procurement” and “material misrepresentation”
Denaturalization is a civil proceeding filed in federal district court. The key statute is 8 U.S.C. § 1451(a). It authorizes revocation of a naturalization order and cancellation of a certificate of naturalization if citizenship was:
- “Illegally procured” — meaning the person was not actually eligible under the naturalization requirements; or
- Procured by “concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.”
While the Miljkovic complaint is not itself a precedent decision, it is best read against a longstanding body of Supreme Court and agency case law on “materiality” and eligibility at the time of naturalization. A central administrative precedent on misrepresentation, often cited across immigration contexts, is Matter of S- and B-C-, 9 I&N Dec. 436 (BIA 1961), which addresses when a misrepresentation is “material.” Naturalization cases also frequently apply Supreme Court standards from Kungys v. United States (materiality in denaturalization) and other federal precedents.
In practical terms, DOJ typically alleges one or both of these theories:
- Identity-based ineligibility: the applicant was not the person described in the records, or lacked the required lawful admission or good moral character because of fraud.
- Material concealment: truthful answers would have triggered further inquiry and likely led to denial, referral, or a finding of ineligibility.
Key facts alleged: identity fraud plus wartime abuse allegations
According to DOJ’s public announcement and the civil complaint summary, Sead Miljkovic (also known as Sead Dukic) allegedly entered the United States in 1996 and naturalized in April 2007 under a false identity.
DOJ alleges he misrepresented core biographical facts across multiple filings, including his:
- name,
- date and place of birth, and
- family history.
Separately, DOJ points to an INTERPOL Red Notice linking Miljkovic to security forces in the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB), and to alleged abuse of 12 civilians in June 1994. The allegations describe beatings with wooden bats and confinement in a morgue for five days without light or water.
DOJ also notes that Miljkovic agreed in June 2025 to plead guilty to one count of passport fraud, reportedly admitting to falsifying identity on government documents. Even without litigating the war-crimes allegations to a criminal verdict in U.S. court, DOJ may argue that identity fraud alone supports denaturalization. It may also argue that truthful disclosure of wartime service and related conduct would have been disqualifying or at least would have triggered further investigation.
Why alleged war crimes matter to a naturalization case
For many readers, “war crimes” may sound separate from immigration paperwork. In denaturalization practice, the connection is often the eligibility requirement that the person be of “good moral character” during the statutory period, and that the naturalization be “lawfully” obtained.
Good moral character is required under INA § 316(a) (8 U.S.C. § 1427(a)). Certain conduct can bar good moral character, and fraud can also undercut eligibility if it helped obtain lawful permanent residence or naturalization.
Human-rights related conduct can matter in at least three ways:
- Bars to admission or relief: Persecution, extrajudicial killing, torture, and related conduct can trigger inadmissibility or other statutory bars.
- Fraud-based ineligibility: If the person concealed wartime service, the government may argue that truthful answers would have led to denial of refugee or immigrant status earlier in the chain.
- Discretion and credibility: Even where discretion is not formally at issue in denaturalization, concealment and inconsistent statements are often central evidence.
How DOJ proves “materiality” in practice
Materiality often turns on a “would-have-mattered” inquiry: would truthful information have predictably led to denial or to facts establishing ineligibility?
The government typically uses:
- The actual forms and sworn answers (refugee/asylum, adjustment, N-400, passport).
- Interview notes, A-file records, and prior statements.
- Expert and country-condition evidence about armed groups and detention sites.
- Proof that the applicant used a different identity in other records.
That’s where Matter of S- and B-C-, 9 I&N Dec. 436 (BIA 1961) remains relevant as a general immigration framework for evaluating “material” misrepresentation, even though denaturalization is litigated in federal court and guided heavily by federal case law.
Warning (Evidence Trap): Old applications often contain small inconsistencies that become “big” when paired with later filings. A single false biographical detail can affect every subsequent benefit.
What this filing signals for similar cases
The Miljkovic case is a reminder that denaturalization may be pursued long after naturalization, especially where identity fraud is alleged. Three practical impacts stand out:
- Identity fraud claims can be enough on their own.
Where the government alleges the person was never the individual described in the immigration record, DOJ may argue citizenship was “illegally procured” and/or obtained by willful misrepresentation, even without litigating wartime conduct. -
Human-rights allegations may be used as “materiality” proof.
Even if the court never adjudicates a “war crimes” charge, DOJ may argue that truthful disclosure would have predictably led to denial of refugee admission, adjustment, or naturalization. -
Denaturalization is often a gateway to removal.
Once citizenship is revoked, ICE may initiate removal proceedings in Immigration Court (EOIR). Available defenses depend on the person’s immigration history and any criminal or fraud findings.
Warning (Chain Reaction): Denaturalization can trigger loss of passport validity, potential detention, and removal proceedings. It can also affect family members’ derived or acquired status in some fact patterns.
Are there circuit splits?
Denaturalization standards are heavily shaped by Supreme Court doctrine on materiality and proof burdens, and by circuit case law applying those standards to specific facts. Results can differ by circuit in close cases involving:
- The strength of the government’s “would-have-denied” showing; and
- What evidence is sufficient to prove procurement and causation.
Because Miljkovic’s case was filed this week and is pending, any circuit-specific issues will depend on the district and circuit where it is litigated. Outcomes and evidentiary rulings can vary across jurisdictions.
How this case fits the new enforcement posture
DOJ’s announcement ties this case to a broader uptick in denaturalization referrals and filings. Recent public actions—such as the December 2025 Mrndzic complaint and the September 2025 Letic filing—reflect a pattern: DOJ is prioritizing cases combining allegations of serious human rights abuses with document and identity fraud.
Separately, DOJ has highlighted appellate success in at least one Bosnian-related denaturalization matter (the July 2025 Yetisen decision). Even when the underlying conduct occurred decades ago, the government’s theory is that citizenship should not rest on falsehoods that prevented full vetting.
Deadline Callout (Act Early): If you receive a DOJ denaturalization complaint, a grand jury subpoena, or a USCIS/ICE request for interview, consult counsel immediately. Early strategy can shape the record and preserve defenses.
Practical takeaways for immigrants and naturalized citizens
- Treat every biographical detail as consequential.
Name variations, birthplaces, and dates that seem minor can later be framed as intentional identity fraud. -
Do not “fix” old errors without legal advice.
Correcting the record can help, but poorly timed disclosures may create new exposure. -
Human-rights vetting is document-driven.
Military or police service history, detention-site allegations, and foreign warrants can become central, even decades later. -
Naturalization is not the end of scrutiny.
Denaturalization is rare relative to total naturalizations, but it is a permanent legal risk where fraud is alleged.
If you’re contacted by DOJ, DHS, or a consulate about immigration fraud or wartime conduct, consult an immigration attorney immediately and avoid statements or document changes until counsel reviews.
- If criminal charges exist, coordinate defenses.
Criminal fraud cases (such as passport fraud) can create admissions that later appear in denaturalization pleadings.
Attorney Consult (Strong Recommendation): Anyone contacted by DOJ, DHS, or a consulate about alleged immigration fraud, identity discrepancies, or wartime conduct should consult an experienced immigration attorney—often in tandem with criminal defense counsel—before providing statements or documents.
Official government resources
- DOJ press release (Jan. 5, 2026)
- DOJ press release (Dec. 19, 2025)
- DOJ press release (July 29, 2025)
- EOIR (Immigration Court system)
- USCIS (citizenship and fraud resources)
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration law and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your specific situation.
Resources:
– AILA Lawyer Referral
The Justice Department’s January 2026 suit against Sead Miljkovic underscores that U.S. citizenship is not permanent if obtained through lies. Alleging Miljkovic hid a history of wartime abuse in Bosnia and used a false identity, the DOJ seeks to revoke his 2007 naturalization. This action demonstrates how civil denaturalization proceedings are increasingly used to address historical human rights violations and maintain the integrity of the naturalization process.
