Denaturalization Cases Reach Record Numbers in U.S.

Nueva Voz · IA

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At least 105 civil denaturalization lawsuits in the U.S. were filed in the first seven months of 2026, including 50 in July alone, according to data from TRAC at Syracuse University. This figure exceeds the 125 lawsuits filed between 2008 and 2025.

These figures reflect a priority policy of President Trump’s administration to revoke citizenship obtained through fraud. Florida leads with 19 cases, followed by Texas and Maryland with 10 each. Additionally, experts warn that citizenship feels less secure for naturalized citizens.

What is denaturalization and how does it work?

Denaturalization is a civil legal process through which federal authorities seek to revoke citizenship that has already been granted. The Department of Justice has made denaturalization a priority under the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

Although the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can identify and investigate potential cases, the Department of Justice generally must initiate civil litigation to revoke a person’s citizenship. Such cases typically allege that a person obtained citizenship through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts during the naturalization process.

If the government prevails, the person may lose their U.S. citizenship and potentially face deportation proceedings, depending on their circumstances. Since denaturalization cases are filed in federal court, judges must determine whether the government has met the legal burden required to revoke citizenship.

Why have denaturalization cases increased?

«The current pace of denaturalization litigation is extraordinarily high,» Ricky Murray, former senior USCIS official, told Newsweek. «This increase reflects a perfect storm of additional personnel, improved technology, new agency policies, and a government emphasis on reviewing previous adjudications.»

USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler told Newsweek that the agency «has a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who lies or misrepresents themselves during the naturalization process.» «Under President Trump’s leadership, USCIS is protecting public safety by examining and verifying all foreign nationals more thoroughly.»

In June 2025, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice issued guidance instructing attorneys to «prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by evidence.» The guidance identified cases involving fraud or intentional misrepresentation in obtaining citizenship. Criminal conduct and national security concerns are some of the circumstances that could justify denaturalization.