The Trump administration has intensified efforts to revoke citizenship from certain naturalized Americans accused of obtaining it through fraud or other disqualifications. This includes temporarily assigning an immigration lawyer to the Justice Department as authorities focus on denaturalization cases.
According to reports, attorneys from USCIS, the agency responsible for managing legal immigration, are being moved to the U.S. attorney’s office to assist with these cases. Four ex-officials from the agency shared insights with the media, indicating that staff were “voluntarily told” to transition to different offices, while another described it as lawyers being “forced to volunteer.”
Another source mentioned that prior trial or denaturalization experience isn’t necessary, as long as the lawyer holds a valid law license.
“We’re proud to assist this critical effort by providing a highly skilled team of immigration lawyers to the Department of Justice,” said a USCIS spokesperson.
A source further revealed that the reason denaturalization hasn’t gained traction is due to the challenges in providing sufficient proof. “It’s really difficult,” they said, emphasizing that the evidence required in civil cases alleging intentional dishonesty on a naturalization application must be “clear, convincing, and unambiguous.”
A spokesperson from the Justice Department confirmed the Trump administration has initiated 35 denaturalization lawsuits since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, with 12 of those filed this month.
The report also highlighted that Justice Department officials had identified 385 individuals for potential denaturalization charges, based on an incident reported in April. During Trump’s first term, USCIS noted it recognized 2,500 possible cases but referred only a small number to the Justice Department.
Additionally, the Trump administration previously aimed to expedite denaturalization litigation by forming a specialized group of 10 to 15 lawyers. USCIS Director Joe Edlow stated that the cases his team identified “are still happening.”
A June 2025 memo from the Justice Department labeled denaturalization a top priority. The memo argued that pursuing these cases “supports the overall health of the naturalization program.”
A Justice Department spokesperson remarked that they welcome the assistance from USCIS attorneys “to advance the President’s mission to enhance public safety and eliminate fraud.”
As reported, Edlow aims to boost the number of denaturalization cases tied to suspected fraudulent immigration applications. “I believe a decentralized denaturalization process would be advantageous,” he noted during a speak at a Center for Immigration Studies event last September.
“If a need for denaturalization arises, we will proceed,” he added, suggesting there’s no necessity for specific office assignments. “We want all offices to use this as a benchmark.”
On May 8, Justice Department officials disclosed their pursuit of denaturalizing 12 naturalized American citizens implicated in offenses ranging from murder to marriage fraud and identity fraud. Todd Blanche mentioned concerns regarding individuals who gained citizenship through fraudulent means, emphasizing that the department isn’t limiting its focus to specific categories of people.
Those involved hail from places like Iraq, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, with charges varying from hiding terrorism-related activities and war crimes to sham marriages and investor fraud.
Moreover, there’s a call for more significant enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel expressed on Fox News the necessity for “stronger laws” to address criminals and terrorists, including enhanced laws for denaturalization. He pointed out that one attacker had been previously convicted for terrorism, yet “no one went out of their way to denaturalize him and banish him from the country.”
On Friday, May 22, officials stated that immigrants aiming for status adjustments to become green card holders generally need to return to their home country for applications through a U.S. embassy, except for special circumstances. This alteration does not impact refugees, asylum seekers, or immigrants residing abroad. USCIS spokesman Zach Koehler claimed the administration is “returning to the original intent of the law,” asserting that the policy will help block loopholes in the immigration system.
