Fact Check: "Naturalized citizens can face denaturalization for committing certain crimes."
What We Know
The claim that "naturalized citizens can face denaturalization for committing certain crimes" is supported by recent actions taken by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). According to a memo published in June 2023, the DOJ is prioritizing denaturalization cases involving naturalized citizens who commit specific crimes, including national security violations, fraud, and violent offenses (NPR, USA Today). This memo outlines ten categories of offenses that could lead to denaturalization, such as involvement in organized crime, human rights violations, and undisclosed felonies during the naturalization process (The Hill, Fox News).
The DOJ's approach marks a significant shift in enforcement priorities, indicating a broader discretion for U.S. attorneys to pursue denaturalization cases (NPR). The memo states that the agency will seek to "remove naturalized criminals, gang members, or indeed, any individuals convicted of crimes who pose an ongoing threat to the United States" (USA Today).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is based on official DOJ policy changes that explicitly outline the circumstances under which denaturalization may occur. The memo indicates that the DOJ is not only focusing on individuals who may have committed crimes prior to their naturalization but also on those who engage in criminal activity post-naturalization (NPR, The Hill).
However, the reliability of the sources varies. NPR and USA Today are established news organizations with a reputation for factual reporting, which lends credibility to their coverage of the DOJ's memo (NPR, USA Today). The Hill also provides a detailed account of the DOJ's guidelines, further corroborating the claim (The Hill). In contrast, while Fox News provides relevant information, it is often perceived as having a conservative bias, which may influence its framing of the issue (Fox News).
Critics of the DOJ's approach, including legal experts, have raised concerns about the potential constitutional implications of denaturalization proceedings, particularly regarding due process rights (NPR). This adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, as it highlights the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the enforcement of denaturalization.
Conclusion
The claim that "naturalized citizens can face denaturalization for committing certain crimes" is True. The DOJ's recent memo clearly outlines the criteria under which naturalized citizens may lose their citizenship due to criminal activity. This policy shift reflects a significant enforcement priority for the DOJ, indicating that naturalized citizens are indeed at risk of denaturalization for specific offenses.
