DOJ files 40 denaturalisation suits alleging fraud by naturalized citizens

From 21 August to 2 October, the US Department of Justice submitted 40 civil complaints in federal courts seeking to strip naturalised citizens of their US citizenship after alleging they concealed criminal histories or material facts during immigration. Announced on 5 October, the filings constitute the largest single wave of denaturalisation actions recorded under the Trump administration. Allegations include serious offences such as healthcare fraud, securities fraud, immigration fraud, fraudulent marriages and decades-long identity theft, with named cases involving a Cuban linked to Medicare fraud, a Canadian involved in securities schemes, a Filipino who allegedly used a sham marriage, and an Afghan who purportedly assumed another person’s identity.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship can be revoked if obtained fraudulently, but these remain civil complaints and the claims are unproven. The DOJ has intensified denaturalisation efforts this year, previously announcing actions against 10 and then 25 other naturalised citizens. The move is part of a broader enforcement push that also includes charges against foreign nationals for alleged election violations.