The Trump administration is preparing to dramatically escalate denaturalization efforts targeting naturalized U.S. citizens who allegedly obtained citizenship through fraud or misrepresentation. According to internal guidance obtained by The New York Times, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has directed field offices to refer between 100 and 200 denaturalization cases per month to the Justice Department during fiscal year 2026.
If implemented as planned, this policy would represent an unprecedented expansion of citizenship revocation in modern U.S. history, and could create significant uncertainty for millions of naturalized Americans.
Understanding the Scale of This Policy Shift
To appreciate the magnitude of this planned increase, it’s helpful to look at historical denaturalization numbers. Between 1990 and 2017, the United States averaged approximately 11 denaturalization cases per year. Even during the first Trump administration, when denaturalization efforts intensified, the Justice Department filed just over 100 cases total between 2017 and early 2025.
By contrast, the new guidance calls for up to 2,400 referrals annually, a more than twentyfold increase over historical averages. The Biden administration filed only 24 denaturalization cases during its tenure. In 2025 alone, the Justice Department has brought 13 cases and won 8 of them.
“This represents a fundamental shift in how denaturalization is approached,” says Rosanna Berardi, Esq., Managing Partner at Berardi Immigration Law. “Historically, denaturalization has been reserved for the most egregious cases, serious criminals or those who obtained citizenship through clear fraud. Setting monthly numerical targets risks turning what should be a carefully considered legal process into a quota-driven system that could sweep up individuals who don’t deserve to lose their citizenship.”
What Is Denaturalization and Who Could Be Affected?
Denaturalization is the legal process through which the U.S. government revokes citizenship that was previously granted. Under federal law, denaturalization is permitted primarily when citizenship was obtained through fraud, willful misrepresentation of material facts, or concealment of relevant information. There are very limited other circumstances where citizenship can be revoked.
The legal standard is demanding. In a 2017 Supreme Court decision, the Court ruled that the government must prove not only that an applicant made a false statement, but also that the false statement was material to their eligibility for citizenship. Civil denaturalization cases can take years to resolve due to these strict requirements and constitutional protections.
According to the Justice Department’s memo, enforcement will prioritize specific categories of individuals, including:
- Those who committed financial fraud
- Gang members and individuals connected to drug cartels
- Violent criminals
- People who unlawfully obtained citizenship during previous administrations
A USCIS spokesperson characterized the initiative as part of a broader “war on fraud,” focusing on those who allegedly obtained citizenship unlawfully.
Concerns About Quota-Based Enforcement
While supporters of stricter immigration enforcement argue that denaturalization has been historically underused, critics (including former USCIS officials) warn that implementing monthly case quotas could politicize citizenship revocation and create a climate of fear among the nation’s approximately 26 million naturalized citizens.
The concern is not unfounded. As experts have noted in other DHS enforcement contexts, arbitrary numerical targets can pressure officials to meet quotas rather than exercise careful judgment about individual cases. This approach risks ensnaring individuals who made minor mistakes on applications years ago or whose cases don’t warrant the severe consequence of citizenship loss.
“Setting numerical goals for something as consequential as citizenship revocation is troubling,” Berardi adds. “It transforms denaturalization from a legal remedy reserved for serious cases into what could become a blunt enforcement tool. Law-abiding naturalized citizens who have built their lives here for decades shouldn’t have to live in fear because of processing targets.”
What Happens If Someone Is Denaturalized?
In most cases, individuals who are successfully denaturalized revert to lawful permanent resident (green card) status, assuming they held that status before naturalization. However, they would lose critical rights that come with citizenship, including the right to vote, eligibility for certain government jobs, protection from deportation, and the ability to sponsor family members for immigration benefits.
Denaturalization cases are typically lengthy and complex. The government bears the burden of proof and must demonstrate that citizenship was unlawfully procured. Even with increased referrals, many cases may not result in actual denaturalization, particularly if they lack sufficient evidence of fraud.
The Broader Context: Naturalization in America
To put this policy in perspective, more than 800,000 people were sworn in as new U.S. citizens in 2024, with the largest numbers coming from Mexico, India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam. The vast majority of these individuals went through rigorous vetting, background checks, English and civics testing, and interviews before being granted citizenship.
Denaturalization has remained rare since the 1990s precisely because of the demanding legal standards and constitutional concerns involved in stripping someone of citizenship, one of the most significant actions the government can take against an individual.
What Should Naturalized Citizens Do?
For now, naturalized citizens should understand that this guidance represents planned referrals to the Justice Department, not automatic denaturalization proceedings. The legal process remains the same, with strict evidentiary requirements and due process protections.
If you have concerns about your naturalization or immigration history, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can provide clarity and peace of mind. At Berardi Immigration Law, we’re monitoring these developments closely and are here to help clients understand their rights and options.
Protecting Your Citizenship Rights
The planned expansion of denaturalization efforts marks a significant policy shift that could affect how millions of naturalized Americans view their citizenship security. While the stated goal is targeting fraud and serious criminality, the implementation of monthly case quotas raises legitimate concerns about whether this tool will be applied appropriately and proportionally.
As this policy unfolds, staying informed about your rights and seeking qualified legal counsel when needed will be more important than ever. U.S. citizenship should not be subject to arbitrary enforcement targets, it should be protected as the fundamental status it represents. Have questions or want to know how this might affect you? Reach out to Berardi Immigration Law today.
Denaturalization Frequently Asked Questions
Can the government take away my citizenship if I made a minor mistake on my naturalization application years ago?
Not likely. The Supreme Court has ruled that the government must prove not only that you made a false statement, but that the false statement was material to your eligibility for citizenship. Minor errors or mistakes that didn’t affect your eligibility typically wouldn’t meet this legal standard. However, if you have concerns about your application, consult with an immigration attorney.
How common is denaturalization currently?
Denaturalization has historically been very rare. From 1990 to 2017, cases averaged about 11 per year. Even during the first Trump administration’s increased focus on denaturalization, just over 120 cases were filed between 2017 and early 2025. The Biden administration filed only 24 cases total. The new guidance represents a dramatic increase from these historical levels.
If I’m denaturalized, will I be deported?
Not necessarily. Most denaturalized individuals revert to lawful permanent resident status if they held a green card before naturalization. However, you would lose citizenship rights like voting and protection from deportation. Whether someone faces removal proceedings after denaturalization depends on their individual circumstances and immigration history.
