Fact Check: DOJ Prioritizes Denaturalization Cases Against Naturalized Citizens for Committing Crimes
What We Know
The claim that the Department of Justice (DOJ) prioritizes denaturalization cases against naturalized citizens who commit crimes is supported by recent actions and statements from the DOJ. On June 13, 2025, the DOJ successfully denaturalized Elliott Duke, a former U.S. Army serviceman who had fraudulently obtained citizenship while concealing his criminal history of distributing child sexual abuse material (source-1). This case was part of a broader initiative known as Operation Prison Lookout, which aims to identify and prosecute sex offenders who have fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship.
Furthermore, the DOJ has indicated a shift in its enforcement priorities, specifically directing attorneys to focus on cases involving naturalized citizens who commit serious crimes (source-4). This suggests a systematic approach to denaturalization in cases where individuals have committed significant offenses.
Analysis
The evidence suggests that the DOJ is indeed prioritizing denaturalization cases involving naturalized citizens who have committed crimes. The case of Elliott Duke serves as a prominent example of this enforcement strategy, highlighting the DOJ's commitment to pursuing denaturalization in instances of fraud during the naturalization process (source-1).
Moreover, the DOJ's announcement regarding prioritization of denaturalization cases indicates a formalized approach to handling such cases, particularly those involving serious criminal activity (source-4). This aligns with the DOJ's broader enforcement goals, as outlined in their guidance on immigration litigation, which emphasizes the importance of addressing cases of fraud and criminality among naturalized citizens (source-2).
However, it is important to note that the prioritization does not imply that all denaturalization cases will be pursued uniformly or that there is an overarching policy exclusively targeting naturalized citizens. The DOJ's focus appears to be on cases where there is clear evidence of fraud or serious criminal conduct.
Conclusion
The claim that the DOJ prioritizes denaturalization cases against naturalized citizens for committing crimes is Partially True. While there is clear evidence of the DOJ's focus on such cases, particularly in instances of fraud and serious offenses, the extent and uniformity of this prioritization across all cases remain to be fully clarified. The DOJ's recent actions and statements indicate a targeted approach rather than a blanket policy affecting all naturalized citizens.
