Justice Department moves to strip citizenship from 17 people in unprecedented denaturalization push
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- The Justice Department announced plans to revoke citizenship from 17 individuals nationwide as part of the Trump administration's intensified denaturalization campaign targeting naturalized citizens accused of fraud.
- Some of the individuals targeted are accused of fraud and sexual abuse of a minor, highlighting the administration's focus on serious criminal allegations in its efforts.
- Denaturalization is a rare legal process that can only be carried out in federal court and has historically been used for various reasons, including fraud and political affiliations.
- The Trump administration has significantly increased denaturalization cases, outpacing the 24 cases filed under the Biden administration, with a dozen individuals targeted in May alone.
- Officials emphasize a zero-tolerance policy for citizenship fraud, with Homeland Security affirming the continued use of all lawful methods to denaturalize and remove individuals who abuse the citizenship process.