The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a new office of attorneys to strip illegally obtained citizenships that will handle the denaturalization of individuals who obtained citizenship illegally and other criminals. In a statement announcing the Denaturalization Unit on February 26, the DOJ said:
“This move underscores the Department’s commitment to bring justice to terrorists, war criminals, sex offenders, and other fraudsters who illegally obtained naturalization… When a terrorist or sex offender becomes a U.S. citizen under false pretenses, it is an affront to our system—and it is especially offensive to those who fall victim to these criminals.”
U.S. naturalized citizens can have their citizenship revoked and be denaturalized for fraud and reasons including:
• becoming affiliated with a terrorist organization or a totalitarian party like the Communist Party
• if it is discovered that the person was not eligible for naturalization in the first place
• lying about their identity
• “deliberate deceit on the part of the person” on relevant citizenship application information such as their employment
Immigration experts view the new denaturalization unit as another effort by the Trump administration that targets immigrants.
Have you been accused of fraudulent naturalization or are you concerned about your citizenship application? The experienced immigration lawyers at Godoy Law Office can answer your questions about immigration and citizenship, and guide you through every step of the citizenship process. Call us today at 855-554-6369.
