A Saluja Law Special Report – November 2025
In a November 18, 2025 interview on Fox News, Senior White House Adviser Stephen Miller stated that the administration now has “a new focus on denaturalization,” signaling a major escalation in federal efforts to scrutinize and revoke U.S. citizenship from naturalized Americans.
This announcement has created widespread concern among immigrant communities—especially the more than 24.5 million naturalized U.S. citizens nationwide. At Saluja Law, we believe it is critical for our clients and the public to understand what denaturalization is, how it works, why the government pursues it, and what risks may exist under the current enforcement landscape.
Below is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide.
What Is Denaturalization?
Denaturalization is the process by which the U.S. government revokes the citizenship of a naturalized American, returning that individual to their prior immigration status.
Key points:
- It only occurs through a federal judicial process, either civil or criminal.
- USCIS investigates and refers cases to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
- Only a federal judge can revoke citizenship.
- The individual can choose to voluntarily relinquish citizenship rather than litigate.
Once denaturalized, a person reverts to their prior immigration status, may face deportation, and may face jail time in criminal cases.
Grounds for Denaturalization
1. Procurement of Citizenship by Concealing or Misrepresenting a Material Fact
The government must prove that the individual:
- Misrepresented or concealed a fact,
- Did so willfully,
- The fact was material, and
- Citizenship was obtained as a result.
This includes failing to disclose employment, hiding criminal history, using false identities, or omitting organizational membership.
Certain political affiliations—Communist Party, totalitarian parties, or terrorist organizations within specified timeframes—also qualify.
2. Illegal Procurement of Naturalization
A person may be denaturalized if they never met the statutory requirements for naturalization, including residence, physical presence, good moral character, or lawful permanent residence.
Example: Sammy Chang, denaturalized due to forced labor activities before naturalization.
Legal Limits & Safeguards
Civil Denaturalization:
The government must prove its case with “clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence.” No statute of limitations applies.
Criminal Denaturalization:
Requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of violating 18 U.S.C. §1425. A 10‑year statute of limitations applies.
The Supreme Court's Maslenjak Decision (2017):
False statements must have played a role in obtaining citizenship. Minor omissions do not qualify.
Military Service Members
A service member may be denaturalized if they:
- Naturalized on or after November 24, 2003,
- Served honorably less than five years, and
- Were discharged under other-than-honorable conditions.
Family Members
Family members may lose citizenship depending on the grounds for the parent's denaturalization. Fraud-based denaturalization can affect spouses and children.
Is Denaturalization Increasing?
Yes.
- 1990–2017: 11 cases per year
- Trump first term: 42 per year
- Biden term: 16 per year
Trump's first term: 2,500 cases identified, 110+ DOJ referrals.
Historically limited to war criminals and terrorists, denaturalization is now broader.
Second Trump Administration Priorities
A June 11, 2025 DOJ memo lists denaturalization as a top-five enforcement priority, including:
- National security risks
- Human rights violators
- Gang/cartel affiliates
- Undisclosed felonies
- Human trafficking, sex offenses, violent crimes
- Financial fraud (PPP, Medicaid/Medicare)
- Fraud against private entities
- Naturalization through corruption
- Pending criminal charges
- Any case DOJ deems important
Concerns About Overreach
Because 24.5 million Americans are naturalized, broad policies risk sweeping in individuals who made minor or unintentional mistakes.
What This Means for Naturalized Citizens
Naturalized Americans should:
- Review naturalization records
- Maintain accurate documentation
- Avoid speaking with DHS/ICE/FBI without counsel
- Seek legal advice if contacted about their naturalization
- Exercise caution with international travel
- Be aware that social media activity is increasingly scrutinized
Saluja Law Can Help
If you are concerned about:
- Errors on your N‑400,
- Criminal history,