The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a directive to priorities the denaturalization of naturalized citizens found guilty of war crimes, terrorism, espionage, and other serious offences, according to a newly released internal memo dated June 11.
The memo, issued by the DOJ’s Civil Division, outlines ten categories of violations that will now be prioritized in efforts to revoke citizenship. These include individuals who have unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship through fraud, concealment of material facts, or willful misrepresentation during their naturalization process.
Who Will Be Impacted?
The targeted individuals include those:
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Complicit in war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or human rights abuses
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Associated with terrorism or espionage
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Engaged in gang activity or criminal organizations
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Convicted of violent crimes, human trafficking, sex offences, or financial fraud
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Involved in unlawful export of goods, including those with national security implications
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Committing fraud involving government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or PPP loans
Naturalized citizens who fall into any of these categories may face civil proceedings aimed at revoking their U.S. citizenship, rendering them eligible for deportation.
The memo clearly states: “The citizenship of individuals will be revoked if they engage in the commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other serious human rights abuses… to prevent convicted terrorists from returning to U.S. soil or traveling internationally on a U.S. passport.”
Policy Background
The move follows a continuation and expansion of denaturalization efforts initiated under previous administrations. While the Obama administration began pursuing select cases of illegal naturalization, former President Donald Trump significantly increased such efforts during his first term. Now, in his second term, the Trump administration has made denaturalization a core part of its broader immigration crackdown.
This latest directive aligns with the administration’s ongoing push to tighten immigration policies, increase deportations, and strip citizenship from those who may pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Legal experts note that while denaturalization is not new, this prioritization marks a shift toward more aggressive enforcement. Critics argue the move could instill fear in immigrant communities, while supporters say it’s a necessary measure to preserve the integrity of U.S. citizenship.
The DOJ has not publicly disclosed how many individuals are currently being investigated or how many cases are expected to proceed under this new prioritization.
Written by: LIIE IMMIGRATION
