DOJ Files 25 Denaturalization Cases in August 2026
The Department of Justice filed 25 denaturalization complaints in federal courts across the United States in August 2026 — the largest coordinated denaturalization action in recorded history. The cases target naturalized citizens accused of hiding violent crimes, sexual offenses, fake identities, and marriage fraud during the naturalization process. Since January 20, 2025, the DOJ has filed 123 such complaints total.
The complaints were filed between July 20 and August 3, 2026, in district courts from Arkansas to Florida to Minnesota. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the filings represent only the beginning of a broader effort to strip citizenship from people who obtained it through fraud or concealment. The DOJ's Civil Division described the pace as "record speed."
What the cases actually allege
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — the main federal law governing immigration and citizenship — naturalized citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained illegally or through hiding a material fact. The complaints do not allege that these individuals committed crimes after becoming citizens. Instead, the DOJ argues they were never eligible for citizenship in the first place because they lied or concealed disqualifying information during the naturalization process.
Immigration Deadlines 2026 — Free
Download PDF with all key dates
The cases show a clear pattern. Zia Murad Bhatti (Pakistan, age 59) allegedly entered the US under a false name in 1992, was ordered removed, then married a US citizen and naturalized without disclosing his prior identity or removal order. Yetunde Folake Olaniyi (Nigeria, age 56) allegedly adopted a fake identity after a removal order, entered a sham marriage, and was later convicted in 2014 of passport fraud after fingerprint checks revealed her true identity. Emigdio Sanchez (Mexico, age 62) allegedly beat his wife so severely she was hospitalized in 1998, pled guilty to assault and battery, and then — just one month later — wrote "no" when his naturalization paperwork asked if he had been arrested. Mohd Wasif (Pakistan, age 56 or 58) allegedly obtained two separate naturalizations under two different identities, and the DOJ is now seeking to revoke both. Tatiana Power (Moldova, age 46) naturalized in 2010 and was later convicted in 2022 of conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a business selling child sexual abuse material — conduct she admitted began before she became a citizen.
The DOJ's theory in all 25 cases is the same: if you lied to get your green card or your citizenship, the naturalization was never valid. A civil court order revoking citizenship would not automatically trigger deportation, but it would strip the person of US citizenship and could expose them to removal proceedings as a non-citizen.
What to do
- If you are a naturalized citizen and you disclosed everything honestly during your green card and naturalization applications, these cases do not affect you. Your citizenship is secure.
- If you are currently going through the naturalization process (filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization), answer every question completely and truthfully — including questions about past arrests, prior names, and prior immigration history. Hiding any of this is the exact conduct the DOJ is targeting.
- If you have a prior arrest, a prior name, a prior removal order, or any complicated immigration history, consult an immigration attorney before filing Form N-400. A lawyer can help you understand what must be disclosed and whether you are currently eligible.
- If you received your green card through marriage and the marriage was not genuine, speak with an immigration attorney immediately. Several of these cases involve marriage fraud that was committed years before naturalization.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Immigration Court Rulings”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
These cases make clear that USCIS and DOJ are cross-referencing old immigration files, fingerprint databases, and criminal records going back 30 years. If you used a different name at any point in your immigration history, or if you had any arrest — even one that was dismissed — you must disclose it on Form N-400 and explain it fully. Failing to disclose is treated as a material misrepresentation, which is grounds for denaturalization regardless of how long ago it happened or whether you were ultimately convicted. If you have any doubt about what to disclose, consult an immigration attorney before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the government take away my US citizenship if I already have it?
Yes, but only in specific circumstances. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship can be revoked through a civil court process if the government proves you obtained it illegally — for example, by hiding a prior removal order, using a fake identity, or concealing a criminal conviction. If you obtained your citizenship honestly and disclosed everything, your citizenship cannot be revoked.
What happens to someone after they are denaturalized?
Denaturalization strips the person of US citizenship. After that, they become a non-citizen again and can face deportation (removal) proceedings. The civil denaturalization case and any removal case are separate legal processes.
I had an arrest years ago that I did not disclose on my naturalization application. What should I do?
Do not ignore this. The DOJ's current cases show that old, undisclosed arrests are being used as grounds for denaturalization even decades later. Lawyers recommend speaking with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your specific situation and options.
Does this affect people who are still applying for a green card or citizenship right now?
Yes, indirectly. These cases signal that USCIS and DOJ are actively reviewing past applications for fraud. If you are currently applying for a green card or naturalization, full and accurate disclosure on every form is essential. Any misrepresentation — even about something that happened long ago — can be used against you.