The administration is considering a significant shift in how it approaches citizenship, with plans to potentially revoke the citizenship of individuals who obtained it through what authorities deem illegal or fraudulent means. This move, initially announced several months ago, is now taking shape with a reported goal of increasing “desnaturalization” efforts.
What’s Happening?
A memo revealed by The New York Times details a plan by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to elevate desnaturalization quotas starting in 2026. The target is to revoke citizenship from between 100 and 200 people each month – exceeding 1,500 per year. This represents a tenfold increase over the approximately 120 desnaturalizations that have occurred over the past eight years.
The process of desnaturalization isn’t new, but has historically been reserved for limited cases and pursued through rigorous legal proceedings. Federal law allows for the revocation of citizenship only when it’s proven the original naturalization was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of relevant information. It can also apply to specific cases involving serious crimes like terrorism.
Why It Matters
This proposed increase in desnaturalization efforts has sparked fear within immigrant communities, raising concerns that even naturalized citizens may not be fully secure in their status. Experts warn that establishing quotas risks politicizing the process and turning a rare, serious legal tool into a more commonplace instrument.
Critics also point to practical challenges. Former USCIS officials suggest that achieving these goals is “virtually impossible” given the high legal standard required for desnaturalization, the extensive investigation each case demands, and the existing strain on the court system. The Department of Justice has already demonstrated limitations, winning eight out of 13 desnaturalization cases in 2025.
What Could Happen Next
If implemented, this policy could lead to a significant increase in legal challenges and scrutiny of past naturalization cases. It’s possible USCIS will need to dedicate substantial resources to reviewing existing files and pursuing new investigations. However, given the legal hurdles and resource constraints, it’s also likely the administration will struggle to meet its stated goals. The policy could also face legal challenges arguing it oversteps the authority of the executive branch or violates due process rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is naturalization?
Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific requirements, including legal residency, demonstrating good moral character, passing English and civics tests, and swearing allegiance to the Constitution.
Under what circumstances can citizenship be revoked?
Federal law allows for the revocation of citizenship only when it’s proven that it was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of facts. It can also apply to specific cases of serious crimes like terrorism or war crimes.
What is the current rate of desnaturalization?
Approximately 120 people have had their citizenship revoked in the last eight years. The administration’s goal is to increase this to between 100 and 200 per month, or over 1,500 per year.
How might this policy impact the broader understanding of citizenship in the United States?
