The Claim: "The American government can deport US born citizens and terminate their citizenships."

Introduction

The claim that the American government can deport U.S.-born citizens and terminate their citizenships has surfaced in various discussions, particularly in the context of recent political rhetoric. This assertion raises significant legal and constitutional questions, especially regarding the rights of citizens born in the United States.

What We Know

1. Legal Framework: According to U.S. law, a natural-born citizen cannot be deported. The U.S. Constitution and various legal precedents affirm that citizenship is a right that cannot be revoked arbitrarily. The Wikipedia entry on the deportation of Americans notes that while wrongful deportations can occur, they are not legally sanctioned for U.S. citizens born on American soil 1.

2. Recent Political Statements: In April 2025, former President Donald Trump suggested exploring the idea of detaining U.S. citizens abroad and sending them to prisons in El Salvador, which has raised alarms about the legality of such actions 2. However, legal experts assert that deporting citizens, regardless of their actions, is not permissible under current law 7.

3. Denaturalization: While natural-born citizens cannot be deported, there are limited circumstances under which citizenship can be revoked, primarily involving denaturalization for naturalized citizens who commit certain crimes or engage in specific actions against the U.S. 5. However, this does not apply to those born in the U.S.

4. Mistaken Notifications: There have been instances where U.S. citizens received erroneous deportation notices from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), indicating a misunderstanding or administrative error rather than a legal basis for deportation 8.

5. Public Misconceptions: A piece from NBC News highlights that while U.S. citizens have faced wrongful deportation attempts, these are not reflective of legal realities. Citizens are advised to keep documentation on hand to assert their citizenship if questioned 6.

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a range of perspectives on the claim, but they converge on the legal consensus that U.S. citizens cannot be deported.

• Credibility of Sources:

  • The Wikipedia article provides a broad overview but should be approached with caution due to its collaborative nature, which may introduce bias or inaccuracies 1.
  • NPR and TIME articles are from reputable news organizations known for journalistic integrity, but they reflect current political narratives that may influence their framing of the issue 27.
  • The New York Times and BBC articles are generally reliable and offer insights from legal scholars, which adds credibility to their claims about the limitations of executive power regarding citizenship 34.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, particularly those discussing Trump’s proposals, may carry political bias, reflecting the contentious nature of immigration and citizenship debates in the U.S. 210.

• Methodological Concerns: The legal interpretations presented by various sources rely on existing laws and court rulings, which are subject to change based on future judicial decisions or legislative actions. The lack of specific legal challenges or cases cited in some articles may limit the depth of their analysis.

• Conflicting Information: While most sources agree on the inability to deport natural-born citizens, there are anecdotal reports of wrongful deportations that complicate the narrative, suggesting a need for clearer communication from immigration authorities 89.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the American government can deport U.S.-born citizens and terminate their citizenships is false. The legal framework in the United States clearly establishes that natural-born citizens cannot be deported, as affirmed by the Constitution and various legal precedents. While there are limited circumstances under which citizenship can be revoked for naturalized citizens, these do not apply to individuals born in the U.S.

It is important to note that while there have been instances of wrongful deportation notices issued to U.S. citizens, these do not reflect a legal basis for deportation and are often the result of administrative errors. The political discourse surrounding this issue may create confusion, but the legal consensus remains firm.

However, the interpretation of laws can evolve, and future judicial decisions or legislative actions could potentially alter the current understanding of citizenship rights. Therefore, while the evidence strongly supports the conclusion that U.S.-born citizens cannot be deported, it is essential to remain aware of the potential for changes in the legal landscape.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consult multiple sources to form a well-rounded understanding of complex legal issues.

Sources

1. Deportation of Americans from the United States - Wikipedia. Link
2. Trump hopes to deport and jail U.S. citizens abroad - NPR. Link
3. What Rights Do Immigrants, Citizens, Green-Card Holders and Visitors ... - New York Times. Link
4. Can Trump revoke birthright citizenship? - BBC. Link
5. Can Your U.S. Citizenship Be Revoked? – Forbes Advisor. Link
6. What to do if you're a U.S. citizen and immigration authorities tell ... - NBC News. Link
7. Trump Proposal to Deport Americans Raises Legal Alarms - TIME. Link
8. 'It is time for you to leave': DHS mistakenly notifies U.S. citizens ... - Los Angeles Times. Link
9. Can a US Citizen Be Deported? Common Myths and Facts - Immigration Lawyers USA. Link
10. Can American citizens be deported? Trump says he wants to - Cronkite News. Link