U.S. Cracks Down on 'Fraudulent Immigrants': Acting Attorney General States Naturalization Certificates Obtained by Concealing Crimes Should Be Invalid

The Trump administration in the United States continues to strengthen immigration enforcement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have officially filed lawsuits in federal court seeking to revoke the naturalization status of 10 individuals who have obtained U.S. citizenship. Officials stated that although these individuals successfully became U.S. citizens, they allegedly concealed significant criminal records, provided false information, or obtained citizenship through fraudulent means during the application process. As a result, the government will pursue denaturalization procedures under existing laws.

According to information released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the 10 individuals facing revocation of citizenship are involved in serious criminal cases including child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, immigration fraud, identity forgery, and submitting false documents to obtain immigration benefits.

The Trump administration emphasized that revoking the U.S. citizenship of these individuals is not only about holding individuals accountable but also a critical measure to uphold the integrity of the U.S. naturalization system. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), if a foreign national obtains citizenship through illegal means, deliberately conceals material facts, or intentionally provides false statements during the naturalization application, the federal government may revoke their citizenship and cancel their naturalization certificate through the courts—even after the naturalization process has been completed.

In a press release issued on the 21st, the Department of Homeland Security stated that if naturalization was obtained “illegally,” or through the concealment of material facts or intentional misrepresentation, the U.S. government has the legal authority to revoke citizenship and nullify the naturalization certificate.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that anyone who engages in fraud during the naturalization process forfeits their right to retain U.S. citizenship. Mullin pointed out that the 10 individuals sued include drug traffickers, child sex offenders, and various types of fraudsters who exploited loopholes in the U.S. immigration system to obtain citizenship. He emphasized that such actions undermine the fairness of the system and harm law-abiding American citizens. He added that the Department of Homeland Security will continue to use all available legal tools to pursue individuals who obtained citizenship through deception, advance denaturalization proceedings, and remove such individuals from the United States in accordance with the law.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also stated that among the 10 individuals are child sex offenders, a fraudster accused of illegally obtaining nearly $900,000 in federal Medicare funds, and a drug trafficker involved in a cocaine distribution case—all of whom obtained U.S. citizenship through deception. Blanche emphasized that U.S. law requires naturalization applicants to possess “good moral character.” However, these individuals intentionally concealed criminal histories and provided false information during their applications, making them legally ineligible for citizenship. He stressed that under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice will continue to actively pursue denaturalization cases to protect the integrity and legal authority of the U.S. naturalization system.