US Moves to Strip Citizenship From 12 in Naturalization Cases
If you are currently going through the naturalization process or already have citizenship, make sure all information you gave to USCIS was complete and truthful. If you are unsure, consult a licensed immigration lawyer before any issues arise. You can also report suspected immigration fraud to USCIS using the USCIS Tip Form at uscis.gov.
The U.S. government is trying to take away citizenship from 12 people who became naturalized U.S. citizens. On May 14, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it partnered with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file these cases — called denaturalization actions — in federal courts across the country. The cases affect people originally from Iraq, Colombia, Morocco, Somalia, Gambia, Bolivia, Uzbekistan, Kenya, India, China, Nigeria, and Cuba.
Why the Government Can Take Away Citizenship
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (the main federal law that governs immigration and citizenship), the government can revoke — or cancel — a person's naturalized citizenship if they got it illegally. This includes lying under oath, hiding important facts, or misrepresenting information during the immigration or naturalization process (the process of becoming a U.S. citizen). The government does not need to prove a new crime. It only needs to show that the person was not eligible for citizenship at the time they applied.
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The 12 cases involve serious accusations. Some people are accused of supporting terrorist groups like Al-Qaida or Al-Shabab. Others are accused of hiding war crimes, sexual abuse of a minor, gun trafficking, investment fraud, spying for Cuba, or using a false identity to get immigration benefits. In several cases, the government says the person lied directly on their naturalization application or during their naturalization interview. USCIS and DOJ say these people would not have qualified for citizenship if they had told the truth.
It is important to know that these are complaints — meaning the government has filed legal claims in court, but a judge has not yet decided whether any of these people will actually lose their citizenship. The government must prove its case in court. Each person has the right to defend themselves.
What to Do If You Are Worried About Your Own Naturalization
- Review your own application honestly. If you believe you may have left out important information — even by mistake — on your green card application (Form I-485, the application for a green card from inside the US) or your citizenship application (Form N-400), lawyers recommend speaking with an immigration attorney before the government contacts you.
- Do not ignore court notices. If you receive any official letter or court summons related to your immigration or citizenship status, do not throw it away. Bring it to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.
- Be honest in all future filings. Lying or hiding facts on any immigration form — including visa applications, green card renewals, or citizenship applications — can be used against you later, even years after you receive a benefit.
- Find a qualified immigration lawyer. These cases are complex. In situations like these, people usually work with a licensed immigration attorney who can review their history and advise them on any risk.