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The Department of Justice has moved to revoke U.S. citizenship from 17 immigrants across the country, the latest push in the Trump administration's expanding denaturalization effort.On June 8, the DOJ said it filed cases in multiple U.S. districts against naturalized citizens accused of criminal offenses, including sexual abuse, wire fraud and drug distribution.Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, federal officials can ask a judge to revoke a naturalized U.S. citizen’s designation if they weren’t eligible or didn’t meet the requirements when they were granted citizenship. This is typically based on accusations that the person engaged in fraud, deceit or misrepresentation when they obtained citizenship.“American citizenship is a privilege, and it must be earned honestly. If you come here, break our laws, and lie in your immigration proceedings, you forfeit that privilege,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in a statement.Administration officials in Trump's second term have vowed to expand denaturalization, which was rarely used in recent decades. Last year, the DOJ issued a memo directing the agency's civil rights division to "prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings."Between 1990 and 2017, there were an average of 11 denaturalization cases per year. Trump began using the process against naturalized citizens in his first term, averaging about 25 cases annually.In May, the Justice Department moved to strip a dozen people of their naturalized citizenship. Authorities accused them of offenses ranging from supporting terrorist groups and committing war crimes to sexually abusing a minor.Contributing: Eduardo Cuevas
