A recent internal memo from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is putting the spotlight back on denaturalization — the rare but serious process of revoking U.S. citizenship from individuals who may have obtained it unlawfully. The directive, issued by the DOJ’s Civil Division in June 2025, signals a renewed focus on identifying and pursuing civil cases where naturalization may have involved fraud, misrepresentation, or hidden criminal history.
What Is Denaturalization and Why Is It Important?
Denaturalization is the legal process by which the U.S. government strips a person of their citizenship. While this is not common, it is a powerful tool that federal authorities may use in cases where someone is found to have lied or concealed key facts during the naturalization process — or should never have qualified for citizenship in the first place. Unlike criminal deportation proceedings, denaturalization is handled through civil litigation and can result in loss of status and removal from the U.S.
What Prompted This Policy Shift?
In the latest DOJ memo, officials were directed to “prioritize” denaturalization in a wide range of situations. This builds on past trends — including the formation of a DOJ Denaturalization Section back in 2020 — but the current administration is now emphasizing its use in far more cases than before.
The memo outlines multiple categories of concern, including:
- Individuals linked to terrorism, espionage, or national security threats
- Those with ties to organized crime, cartels, or gangs
- Applicants who concealed serious criminal records during the immigration process
- Individuals involved in war crimes or human rights abuses
- People who committed large-scale fraud (e.g., healthcare or financial fraud)
- Naturalization gained through bribery, false documents, or identity theft
This expanded enforcement priority means that people who might have passed initial screening years ago could now find themselves under investigation if new information comes to light.
How Does This Affect Naturalized Citizens and Future Applicants?
Although denaturalization remains rare, this renewed focus raises the stakes for those who have already naturalized — and those currently applying. It reinforces the importance of honesty, full disclosure, and accuracy throughout the immigration process. Even small inconsistencies or omissions can raise red flags later, especially if criminal charges or government program misuse are involved.
Anyone with past issues — even resolved legal matters — should consider having their immigration history reviewed. Likewise, those preparing to file for naturalization must ensure their application is carefully and completely documented.
What Should You Do if You’re Concerned?
If you’re already a U.S. citizen through naturalization and have concerns about your eligibility or past records, it’s smart to speak with an experienced immigration attorney. It’s far better to review your status now than risk facing enforcement action later. For those currently on a green card and thinking about applying for naturalization, careful legal preparation is essential.
At NPZ Law Group, we help individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration with confidence. From green card applications to naturalization and legal compliance, we offer thorough guidance backed by decades of experience.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.