The Trump administration is ramping up efforts to revoke U.S. citizenship from certain naturalised Americans, marking a major escalation in its broader immigration enforcement strategy, according to sources familiar with the plans.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reportedly reassigned personnel and deployed specialists across its field offices to identify potential denaturalisation cases.
The agency aims to initiate between 100 and 200 immigration litigation cases each month, a significant rise compared to Trump’s first term, when just 102 denaturalisation cases were filed over four years.
Historically, denaturalisation proceedings have targeted individuals accused of concealing criminal records or human rights abuses during the citizenship application process. The renewed push forms part of wider Department of Homeland Security (DHS) actions, including expanded deportation operations, increased detention capacity, visa cancellations, and attempts to remove some green card holders.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said the agency acts when there is credible evidence of fraud or misrepresentation.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud in the naturalisation process and will pursue denaturalisation proceedings for any individual who lied or misrepresented themselves,” he said as quoted by NBC News.
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue those undermining the integrity of America’s immigration system and work alongside the Department of Justice to ensure that only those who meet citizenship standards retain the privilege of U.S. citizenship.”
Officials are also exploring ways to accelerate proceedings by placing trained personnel in more than 80 field offices nationwide. The Justice Department has instructed attorneys to prioritise denaturalisation cases, particularly those involving national security threats, war crimes, torture, government fraud, and other serious concerns.
President Donald Trump has long sought to reshape U.S. citizenship policy, including challenging birthright citizenship, an issue currently before the Supreme Court.
In a Truth Social post, Trump pledged to remove anyone who was not a “net asset” to the United States and vowed to “denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility.”
Approximately 800,000 individuals obtain U.S. citizenship through naturalisation each year after meeting requirements such as lawful permanent residency, English proficiency, knowledge of American civics, and demonstrating “good moral character.” Legal experts note that revoking citizenship remains uncommon and involves a complex legal process.
“It’s so important for current and future naturalised U.S. citizens to know that no president can unilaterally strip people of the citizenship they’ve worked so hard to earn,” said Doug Rand, a former USCIS official.
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