The Trump administration announced on May 10, 2026, that it is seeking to revoke the citizenship of 12 foreign-born Americans who officials say committed crimes that qualify them for denaturalization. The announcement was made via a press release from the Department of Justice.
According to the press release, the individuals are accused of offenses including fraud, perjury, and other crimes that, under U.S. law, can lead to loss of citizenship. The administration emphasized that denaturalization is reserved for cases where citizenship was obtained through illegal means or where the individual later engaged in conduct that undermines national security.
Legal experts note that denaturalization is a rare and serious step, requiring proof that the person's citizenship was procured by concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The process involves federal court proceedings, and the individuals have the right to legal representation.
As of this report, no specific names or details of the alleged crimes have been released beyond the general description in the press release. The announcement has drawn reactions from civil liberties groups, who argue that denaturalization should be used sparingly and with due process.
