What Every Naturalized US Citizen Should Know About Denaturalization
The Trump administration has instructed immigration authorities to sharply increase efforts to revoke US citizenship from naturalised Americans.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices have been told to refer between 100 and 200 denaturalisation cases each month to the Office of Immigration Litigation during the 2026 fiscal year. This represents a substantial increase from previous practice. Justice Department data show that slightly more than 120 denaturalisation cases were filed in total between 2017 and early 2026.
The directive affects a large population. More than 26 million people in the United States are naturalised citizens, and over 800,000 individuals became citizens last year. Most recent naturalisations involved immigrants from Mexico, India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. Individuals who are stripped of citizenship generally return to lawful permanent resident status, a change that can expose them to further immigration enforcement.
Federal law allows denaturalisation when citizenship was obtained through fraud or the concealment of material facts that would have made an applicant ineligible. In the past, such cases were uncommon and typically involved serious offences, including war crimes or national security threats. The process requires a court order, which provides procedural safeguards for those affected.
Under the current administration, the interpretation of qualifying grounds has widened. While President Trump has stated that enforcement will focus on individuals with criminal convictions, reporting indicates that less serious violations may also be pursued. These may include inaccuracies on tax filings, such as under-reporting income. The broader approach has increased uncertainty among naturalised citizens who previously viewed citizenship as secure.
The policy has also raised concerns among lawful permanent residents, known as green card holders. Permanent residency permits foreign nationals to live and work in the United States but does not grant citizenship. Many residents apply for naturalisation after meeting eligibility requirements, including a minimum period of residence, proof of good moral character, English language ability and passing a civics test.
Applicants submitting naturalisation forms after October 2025 are required to pass a revised civics examination. The change forms part of wider measures to tighten standards within the naturalisation process. At the same time, the Justice Department has confirmed that denaturalisation remains a priority, including for individuals who have already completed the citizenship process.
