The administration of Donald Trump is reportedly intensifying efforts to revoke the citizenship of certain naturalised Americans, expanding a key element of its broader immigration enforcement agenda.
According to sources familiar with the plans, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reassigned staff and deployed specialists across field offices nationwide to identify potential denaturalisation cases. The agency aims to generate between 100 and 200 cases monthly for immigration litigation — a substantial rise compared to Trump’s first term, when 102 cases were filed over four years.
Historically, denaturalisation proceedings have targeted individuals accused of concealing criminal records or involvement in human rights abuses during the citizenship application process. The renewed push aligns with broader measures by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including expanded deportations, increased detention capacity, visa revocations, and efforts to remove some green card holders.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said the agency pursues cases where there is credible evidence of fraud or misrepresentation.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud in the naturalisation process and will pursue denaturalisation proceedings for any individual who lied or misrepresented themselves,” he said, according to NBC News.
He added that the agency would continue working with the Department of Justice to ensure that only those who meet citizenship standards retain U.S. nationality.
Officials are also exploring ways to accelerate proceedings by embedding trained personnel across more than 80 field offices. The Justice Department has instructed attorneys to prioritise cases involving national security threats, war crimes, torture, and government fraud, while retaining flexibility to pursue other significant matters.
Trump has long advocated changes to citizenship rules, including challenging birthright citizenship — an issue currently before the Supreme Court. In a post on Truth Social, he pledged to remove individuals who are not a “net asset” to the country and to “denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility.”
Approximately 800,000 people become naturalised U.S. citizens each year after meeting requirements such as lawful permanent residency, English proficiency, knowledge of civics, and demonstrating good moral character. Legal experts note that revoking citizenship remains uncommon and involves complex court proceedings.
“It’s so important for current and future naturalised U.S. citizens to know that no president can unilaterally strip people of the citizenship they’ve worked so hard to earn,” said Doug Rand, a former USCIS official.
