Can They Really Take Away Your Citizenship? What Every American Needs to Know About Denaturalization

In recent years, the U.S. government has dramatically increased its efforts to strip naturalized citizens of their citizenship, a process called denaturalization. While this was once used sparingly and only in extreme cases like war crimes or terrorism, a recent shift in policy has made it a broader, more troubling tool of political enforcement. 

Let’s break down what’s happening and why it should matter to all of us—naturalized or native-born. 

What Is Denaturalization? 

Denaturalization is the legal process where the U.S. government revokes someone’s citizenship. This typically happens when someone is accused of obtaining citizenship fraudulently or by concealing serious information during the application process. 

Historically, this was incredibly rare—only about 11 cases per year from 1990 to 2017. But under the Trump Administration, the number of cases skyrocketed by 600%, and a new DOJ memo dated June 2025 places denaturalization at the top of the government’s civil enforcement priorities. 

Who’s Being Targeted? 

According to the memo, denaturalization cases can now include a wide range of people, including: 

• Those the DOJ deems a “potential danger to national security” 
• People with minor infractions or old criminal charges 
• Individuals accused of financial fraud or linked to gang activity 
• Citizens “important enough” to pursue—even if no clear wrongdoing is proven 

This language is alarmingly vague, making it easier for the government to target someone based on politics or public profile. For example, President Trump has called for removing the citizenship of Zohran Mamdani, a New York mayoral candidate and naturalized citizen, as well as Rosie O’Donnell, who was born in the U.S. but criticized the administration. 

What Does the Law Actually Say?

The U.S. Constitution guarantees due process, which means the government can’t simply take your rights away without a legal process. According to federal law, a person can only lose their citizenship if: 

• They lied or hid important facts during their naturalization 
• They joined a subversive group (like certain extremist organizations) within five years of becoming a citizen 
• They were convicted of criminal naturalization fraud 
• They were dishonorably discharged after gaining citizenship through military service 

But the new DOJ memo lists many non-statutory reasons that don’t align with the law. This could mean the government is using resources to chase cases that can’t be won in court, or worse, they are trying to expand the law beyond what Congress allows. 

Could You Lose Citizenship Without Knowing It?

Shockingly, yes. 

Denaturalization is usually handled in civil court, meaning the accused does not have the right to a government-provided lawyer. In many cases, people don’t even know there’s a case against them until it’s too late. They might lose their citizenship without ever setting foot in court or having a chance to defend themselves. 

This is especially dangerous because once someone is denaturalized, they can become stateless—meaning no country will recognize them as a citizen. This makes it nearly impossible to travel, work legally, or even get health care. 

What About U.S.-Born Citizens?

Most Americans believe that if you’re born in the U.S., your citizenship is safe. That’s generally true—but there are exceptions. 

The government can try to revoke citizenship from U.S.-born individuals if they: 

• Commit treason 
• Join a foreign military hostile to the U.S. 
• Work for a foreign government 
• Swear allegiance to another country after turning 18 

However, even in those cases, the law says a person must voluntarily and clearly intend to give up their citizenship, and the government must prove it with solid evidence. 

Why This Matters to Everyone 

Citizenship is supposed to be permanent and protected. Once you’re a citizen, you shouldn’t have to worry that your status will change based on political opinions or paperwork mistakes. 

The DOJ’s new policy opens the door for abuse, especially against immigrants, people of color, and critics of the government. It could even discourage others from applying for naturalization, out of fear that their status might later be taken away. 

What Can Be Done?

Congress and the courts need to step in. Oversight is essential to prevent political misuse of denaturalization and to ensure that the rule of law—not political agendas—guides these life-altering decisions. 

As Americans, we must hold our government accountable. Denaturalization should never be used to silence dissent, punish immigrants, or create second-class citizens. 

This article is provided as an educational service and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific circumstances.  For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call us at 214-494-8033, text us using our chat box, or complete our contact form.