Fact Check: "25 million naturalized citizens now at risk of losing their citizenship."
What We Know
The claim that "25 million naturalized citizens now at risk of losing their citizenship" stems from recent actions by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration. The DOJ announced plans to prioritize cases for denaturalization, particularly targeting naturalized citizens who may have committed certain crimes. According to a report, there are approximately 25 million naturalized citizens in the U.S. as of 2023, and the DOJ's new directive indicates a shift towards aggressively pursuing denaturalization cases, which could potentially affect these individuals (NPR).
Furthermore, an executive order issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, sought to end birthright citizenship, which could impact the citizenship status of children born to parents who are undocumented or on temporary visas. This order has been met with significant legal challenges and is currently blocked while under litigation (Born into Uncertainty, AP News).
Analysis
The assertion that 25 million naturalized citizens are at risk of losing their citizenship is grounded in the DOJ's recent policy changes that prioritize denaturalization cases. This policy shift is alarming, especially considering that denaturalization can occur under civil proceedings, which do not afford the same legal protections as criminal cases. Critics argue that this approach undermines due process and could lead to unjust outcomes for many naturalized citizens (NPR, The Hill).
The executive order regarding birthright citizenship further complicates the situation. While legal experts generally believe that such an order would face significant constitutional challenges, the mere existence of this policy creates a climate of fear among immigrant communities, particularly those with mixed-status families. This fear can lead to avoidance of essential services and a deterioration of community health and well-being (Born into Uncertainty, BBC).
The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they include reports from reputable news organizations and academic research. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, particularly in politically charged contexts. The DOJ's actions and the executive order are framed within a broader narrative of the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have been criticized for their harshness and potential for discrimination against immigrant communities.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that 25 million naturalized citizens are now at risk of losing their citizenship is substantiated by recent DOJ policy changes that prioritize denaturalization cases. This alarming development, combined with the executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, creates a significant risk for many naturalized citizens. The potential for legal action against these individuals, alongside the chilling effect on immigrant communities, supports the assertion that a substantial number of naturalized citizens are indeed at risk.
