DOJ Escalates Denaturalization of Naturalized Americans

The Department of Justice issued a memo dated June 11, directing attorneys to aggressively pursue denaturalization cases against naturalized Americans who committed crimes such as national security violations or fraud, or who obtained citizenship through misrepresentation. This policy expands prosecutors' discretion and prioritizes denaturalization as a top enforcement goal, potentially affecting nearly 25 million naturalized U.S. citizens. Critics warn that civil denaturalization proceedings, which do not guarantee legal counsel and operate under a lower burden of proof, could undermine due process and lead to a two-tiered citizenship system. Supporters argue the policy enhances national security and public safety, while opponents fear disproportionate targeting of immigrants and increased risk of statelessness. The approach, echoing McCarthy-era tactics, represents a significant escalation from previous administrations. An example includes the recent denaturalization of Elliott Duke, a U.K.-born veteran convicted of distributing child abuse material.