Can the government take away my U.S. citizenship?

Only naturalized citizens can be denaturalized, and only by a federal judge. The government must prove that citizenship was obtained through fraud, willful misrepresentation, or by hiding facts that would have made the person ineligible. Citizens born in the United States cannot be denaturalized.

How will I know if I am being investigated for denaturalization?

Most people learn through a formal civil complaint filed in federal court, or through a request for records from USCIS. You may receive a letter or summons. If you receive any government notice about your naturalization, contact an immigration attorney before responding.

What can trigger a denaturalization case?

The DOJ has named several priority categories: hidden criminal records, identity fraud, sham marriages, undisclosed prior deportation orders, war crimes or torture, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, and other fraud against the government. The misrepresentation must be material — meaning it would have changed the citizenship decision.

What is Operation Janus?

Operation Janus is a Department of Homeland Security investigation that identified about 315,000 cases where fingerprints were missing from centralized databases. By digitizing old paper fingerprint records, the government can now match identities and discover whether someone obtained citizenship using a different name or after a prior deportation order.

What happens if I lose my citizenship?

If a federal court orders denaturalization, the person usually returns to their previous status, often as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). They lose the right to vote, eligibility for many federal jobs, the U.S. passport, and protection from deportation. In some cases, deportation proceedings follow.

Can my children lose citizenship if I am denaturalized?

Children born in the United States are protected by the 14th Amendment and cannot be denaturalized. Children who got citizenship through their parent's naturalization (derivative citizenship) could face review in some cases, though the legal standard is high. Each case is fact-specific.

Can I appeal a denaturalization ruling?

Yes. Civil denaturalization rulings can be appealed to a federal Court of Appeals, and ultimately to the Supreme Court. The government must prove its case by clear and convincing evidence, and the Supreme Court has set a high bar in cases like Schneiderman v. United States and Maslenjak v. United States.

Should naturalized citizens avoid international travel right now?

Most naturalized citizens face no travel risk and can travel normally. Denaturalization happens through a federal court process, not at the airport. However, anyone with concerns about an old immigration case, a pending records request, or a known issue should consult an immigration attorney before traveling abroad.

Trump's Denaturalization List

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Trump's Denaturalization List: Can the U.S. Take Away Your Citizenship? 384 Cases Explained (2026)

The DOJ has identified 384 naturalized Americans for citizenship revocation - the largest wave in U.S. history. Who's at risk, how the process works, and what to do if you get a notice.

Trump's Denaturalization List

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Trump's Denaturalization List

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