Fact Check: "Naturalized citizens can lose citizenship for committing certain crimes."
What We Know
Naturalized citizens in the United States can indeed lose their citizenship for committing certain crimes. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently announced plans to prioritize denaturalization cases involving naturalized citizens who commit specific offenses, including serious crimes such as national security violations and fraud against the government (NPR, ABC News). According to a DOJ memo, U.S. attorneys are given broader discretion to pursue denaturalization cases against individuals who pose a danger to national security or have engaged in significant criminal activity (Axios).
The legal framework for revoking citizenship is established under U.S. immigration law, which allows for denaturalization if a person obtained their citizenship through fraud or if they engage in certain criminal activities after naturalization (USCIS). For instance, a recent case involved a naturalized citizen, Elliott Duke, who lost their citizenship after being convicted of distributing child sexual abuse material, a crime they admitted to committing prior to their naturalization (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that naturalized citizens can lose their citizenship for committing certain crimes is supported by both legal precedent and recent actions taken by the DOJ. The DOJ's memo indicates a shift towards more aggressive enforcement of denaturalization, particularly targeting individuals who have committed serious offenses (ABC News, Axios). This marks a significant change from previous practices, where denaturalization cases were pursued at a much lower rate, averaging only 11 cases per year from 1990 to 2017 (ABC News).
Critics of this approach, including immigration law experts, have raised concerns about the implications of such policies, particularly regarding due process rights and the potential for arbitrary enforcement (NPR). For example, the memo allows for denaturalization proceedings to be pursued through civil litigation, which has a lower burden of proof compared to criminal cases and does not guarantee the right to legal representation for those facing denaturalization (NPR). This could lead to significant legal and personal consequences for individuals who may not have committed any wrongdoing after their naturalization.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a comprehensive overview of the current legal landscape regarding denaturalization. The DOJ's own communications, as well as reports from established news organizations, lend weight to the claim that naturalized citizens can indeed lose their citizenship for committing certain crimes.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that naturalized citizens can lose their citizenship for committing certain crimes is accurate. The DOJ has made it clear that it will prioritize denaturalization cases against naturalized citizens who engage in serious criminal activities. This policy shift reflects a broader trend in immigration enforcement and underscores the legal framework that allows for the revocation of citizenship under specific circumstances.
