Justice Department Files Record Number of Denaturalization Cases Against Naturalized Citizens

The Department of Justice announced Monday that it has filed 25 civil complaints seeking to revoke the U.S. citizenship of naturalized individuals, describing the action as the largest coordinated denaturalization effort in the department’s history and the biggest such surge on record.

The complaints were filed in various U.S. district courts between July 20 and August 3. Officials said the defendants, natives of approximately 17 to 18 countries including Pakistan, Mexico, India, Nigeria, Cuba, Colombia, and others, obtained naturalization through fraud, concealment of material facts, or willful misrepresentation. Allegations include hiding convictions or involvement in serious crimes such as attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, aggravated sexual assault of a child, domestic violence, identity and passport fraud, marriage fraud, bank and credit card fraud, and practicing medicine without a license.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that U.S. citizenship is one of the nation’s highest privileges and must be obtained lawfully and honestly. “The complaints announced today allege that these individuals secured naturalization through fraud, concealment, or other unlawful conduct — including by concealing violent crimes, sexual offenses against children, fraudulent identities, and other disqualifying facts,” Blanche said. “Today’s filings represent the largest coordinated denaturalization effort in Department history, but they are only the beginning. The Justice Department will continue to use every tool available to protect the integrity of the naturalization process and the safety of the American people.”

Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Brett Shumate described the filings as marking “the largest denaturalization surge in recorded history,” adding that the individuals involved committed crimes incompatible with U.S. citizenship and that the department is moving at record speed to address those who deceived the government during the naturalization process.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the government may seek to cancel a certificate of naturalization and revoke citizenship if it was illegally procured or obtained by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. The process is civil rather than criminal and requires the government to prove its case in federal court. If successful, the individual reverts to their prior immigration status and may face removal proceedings.

Department officials noted that 123 civil denaturalization complaints have been filed since the start of the second Trump administration, the highest total in recorded history. Earlier waves this year included groups of 10 and 12 cases targeting individuals accused of concealing sexual abuse of minors, large-scale fraud schemes, drug trafficking, and other disqualifying conduct. The latest batch continues that accelerated pace.

The announcement underscores the administration’s stated priority of enforcing the requirements of naturalization, particularly the good moral character standard and the obligation to disclose criminal history or other material information. Officials emphasized that the effort is ongoing and that additional cases are expected as reviews of potential referrals from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other sources continue.Denaturalization has historically been used sparingly, often focusing on cases involving national security threats, war crimes, or egregious fraud. The current volume and speed of filings represent a significant expansion of that enforcement tool. The Justice Department released details of the defendants and the nature of the alleged concealment in connection with the announcement, stating that the actions aim to restore integrity to the citizenship process.