The United States Department of Justice has launched what it described as the largest coordinated effort in its history to revoke the citizenship of naturalised Americans, targeting individuals from 17 countries accused of obtaining US citizenship through fraud, concealment or other unlawful means.
The civil denaturalisation actions, filed in various US district courts between July 20 and August 3, 2026, involve 25 naturalised citizens facing allegations ranging from identity fraud and sham marriages to violent crimes, child sexual abuse and financial crimes.
According to the Justice Department in a post on its website on Monday, and seen by our correspondent on Wednesday said the move forms part of a broader crackdown by the administration of President Donald Trump on immigration fraud and abuse of the naturalisation process.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said US citizenship remains one of the country’s highest privileges and must be obtained lawfully.
He stated that the cases involve individuals accused of concealing violent crimes, child sexual offences, fraudulent identities and other facts that would have disqualified them from becoming US citizens.
