DOJ moves to revoke citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that it is seeking to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans, marking the largest such effort in modern history. Federal officials allege the individuals obtained citizenship unlawfully by concealing serious criminal conduct or committing fraud during the naturalization process.

The legal actions, filed in federal courts across multiple states, target individuals from countries including Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, China, India, Somalia, and the Philippines. The allegations span a range of offenses, including sexual abuse of minors, financial fraud, identity fraud, and drug trafficking. Officials argue that by hiding these crimes or providing false information, the individuals lacked the "good moral character" required for citizenship or obtained it through "willful misrepresentation."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse of the naturalization process. He said individuals who fraudulently obtain American citizenship undermine the integrity of the immigration system. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed that sentiment, declaring citizenship a...