Fact Check: "Trump's DOJ prioritizes denaturalization for naturalized citizens committing crimes."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) is prioritizing denaturalization for naturalized citizens who commit crimes is supported by a June 2025 memo from the DOJ. This memo explicitly directs attorneys to prioritize denaturalization cases involving naturalized citizens who have committed certain offenses, including serious crimes and fraud against the government or individuals (NPR, The Guardian). The DOJ's focus is particularly on those who may have "illegally procured" their citizenship or concealed material facts during the naturalization process.
The memo outlines ten priority categories for denaturalization, which include serious crimes like war crimes and human rights abuses, as well as financial fraud. It also grants U.S. attorneys broader discretion to pursue denaturalization cases, which could potentially include a wide range of offenses (NPR, The Guardian).
Recent actions have already demonstrated this prioritization; for instance, a judge recently ordered the revocation of the citizenship of Elliott Duke, a naturalized citizen who was convicted of distributing child sexual abuse material (NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is based on official DOJ communications and actions. The June memo is a primary source that clearly outlines the DOJ's new enforcement priorities regarding denaturalization, specifically targeting naturalized citizens who commit crimes. The memo's language indicates a significant shift in policy, emphasizing a more aggressive approach to denaturalization than in previous administrations (NPR, The Guardian).
Critics of this policy, including immigration law experts, have raised concerns about its constitutionality and the potential for abuse, particularly regarding due process rights. They argue that civil proceedings for denaturalization do not afford individuals the same legal protections as criminal cases, such as the right to an attorney (NPR). This raises ethical questions about the fairness of the process and its implications for families of naturalized citizens, especially children who may lose their citizenship as a result of their parent's denaturalization (NPR).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including major news organizations and legal experts, which lend weight to the information presented. However, it is important to note that the DOJ and Trump administration have not publicly commented on the broader implications of these policies, leaving some aspects of the situation open to interpretation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump's DOJ is prioritizing denaturalization for naturalized citizens committing crimes is accurate. The DOJ's June memo explicitly outlines this new enforcement priority, focusing on a range of criminal offenses and granting broader discretion to attorneys in pursuing denaturalization cases. The evidence presented in the memo and subsequent actions supports the assertion that denaturalization is now a significant focus for the Trump administration.
