Trump Administration Seeks to Strip Citizenship From Naturalized Citizens Accused of Fraud

Trump Targets Naturalized Citizens Accused of Fraud

Lawsuits Filed Over Immigration Fraud

Citizenship Could Be Revoked

President Donald Trump’s administration announced Monday a new legal offensive aimed at naturalized U.S. citizens accused of committing fraud during their immigration processes.

Why it matters: The measure is part of the tightening of immigration policies promoted by the government since Trump’s return to the White House and could result in the loss of citizenship and deportation for the people affected.

Justice Department Files Lawsuits Against 17 Naturalized Citizens Accused of Fraud

This Department of Justice has filed DENATURALIZATION ACTIONS in various U.S. district courts against 17 individuals accused of serious offenses.

“When criminal aliens exploit the naturalization process by breaking the law, there are consequences. Criminal aliens are lying about… pic.twitter.com/mhr1D9xxT8

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) June 8, 2026

According to EFE, the Department of Justice reported that it has filed lawsuits in different federal courts.

The legal actions are directed against 17 naturalized U.S. citizens.

According to the official statement, the defendants are accused of having committed serious crimes.

Among the accusations mentioned are sexual abuse of a minor, bank fraud, and drug trafficking.

Authorities maintain that these individuals obtained U.S. citizenship after committing fraud in their immigration procedures.

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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the government’s initiative.

“When foreign nationals with criminal records take advantage of the naturalization process by breaking the law, there are consequences,” he said.

The naturalized citizens named in the lawsuits come from various countries.

Among them are Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Mexico, India, Somalia, the Philippines, and Jamaica.

The Administration Promises to Use All Legal Channels

Naturalized Citizens Accused of Fraud Could Lose Citizenship – PHOTO: EFE

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the government will continue using all available legal mechanisms.

According to him, the objective is to expel from the country those who obtained citizenship through fraud and later committed crimes.

Mullin said U.S. citizenship must be obtained honestly.

“U.S. citizenship is a privilege and must be earned honestly. If you come here, break our laws, and lie in your immigration proceedings, you lose that privilege,” he wrote on X.

The official added that his department will not remain inactive in the face of people who, he said, have exploited the U.S. immigration system.

He also said these actions seek to protect U.S. citizens.

The statements were made after CBS reported on the lawsuits promoted by the government.

Those Affected Could Lose Protection Against Deportation

Authorities explained that, if the judicial proceedings move forward successfully, those affected would lose their U.S. citizenship.

They would also return to the immigration status they had before becoming naturalized.

The loss of citizenship would also mean the elimination of all rights associated with that status.

Among them is protection from possible deportation.

The initiative is part of the immigration strategy promoted by the Trump administration since January 2025.

The government has promoted several measures focused on strengthening immigration control and toughening consequences for those who violate laws related to immigration.

What’s next: The cases must now move forward in federal courts, where it will be determined whether the accusations presented by the Department of Justice justify revoking the citizenship of the 17 naturalized citizens included in the denaturalization cases.