The Trump administration has undertaken the largest coordinated denaturalization campaign in modern U.S. history. The move has sparked outrage from the usual suspects, but it is the right decision, and it sends a clear and important message.Naturalized citizenship is a solemn privilege. Those who are granted it should cherish and recognize it for the opportunity that it manifestly is. Those who exploit an America that opened its doors to them should face serious consequences, including the loss of citizenship when that citizenship was illegally obtained.On June 8, the Department of Justice announced it had filed denaturalization actions against 17 naturalized citizens accused of serious crimes.
The individuals targeted by the DOJ hail from Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. They stand accused of offenses ranging from immigration fraud to sexual abuse of a minor to a $36 million healthcare fraud scheme in Florida.
“When criminal aliens exploit the naturalization process by breaking the law, there are consequences,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “This Department of Justice maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the abuse of this process.”
The era of coming to America, exploiting its goodwill, and breaking its laws is coming to an end. It’s about time.
