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U.S. Increases Denaturalization Actions Involving Alleged Fraud and Criminal Conduct

The U.S. Department of Justice is ramping up denaturalization cases, targeting individuals accused of fraud or concealing criminal histories during naturalization. Recent court rulings highlight a growing enforcement trend, raising legal and policy questions about citizenship security and accountability.

By Mark Young

March 31, 2026
4:05 am
Los Angeles, CA

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has expanded efforts to revoke citizenship from some naturalized Americans accused of obtaining it through fraud or by failing to disclose criminal activity. This week, federal courts approved the denaturalization of two individuals residing in Florida. One case involved a Ukrainian-born man who was later convicted of exporting firearm parts without authorization and committing housing-related fraud. The other involved a Cuban-born woman who was convicted in connection with a Medicare fraud scheme involving more than $6 million in claims. According to the DOJ, such actions are part of ongoing enforcement of existing laws governing naturalization. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that citizenship may be revoked if it was obtained through misrepresentation or concealment of material facts. Under U.S. law, individuals whose naturalized citizenship

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has expanded efforts to revoke citizenship from some naturalized Americans accused of obtaining it through fraud or by failing to disclose criminal activity.

This week, federal courts approved the denaturalization of two individuals residing in Florida. One case involved a Ukrainian-born man who was later convicted of exporting firearm parts without authorization and committing housing-related fraud. The other involved a Cuban-born woman who was convicted in connection with a Medicare fraud scheme involving more than $6 million in claims.

According to the DOJ, such actions are part of ongoing enforcement of existing laws governing naturalization. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that citizenship may be revoked if it was obtained through misrepresentation or concealment of material facts.

Under U.S. law, individuals whose naturalized citizenship is revoked return to their previous immigration status and may become subject to removal proceedings.

Government data indicates that denaturalization cases have increased in recent years. During Donald Trump’s first presidential term, 168 cases were filed in federal court. During the subsequent administration of Joe Biden, 64 cases were filed over four years. Since early 2025, the DOJ has filed at least 64 additional cases.

Historically, denaturalization cases have often involved serious offenses such as terrorism-related activity or war crimes. A 2025 DOJ policy memo directed attorneys to prioritize cases involving national security concerns, undisclosed criminal conduct, or connections to organized crime.

Recent cases include:

• A Ukrainian-born individual whose citizenship was revoked after a court found he had concealed criminal conduct during the naturalization process.

• A Cuban-born individual whose citizenship was revoked following a healthcare fraud conviction.

• An ongoing case involving a Lebanese-born individual accused of making false statements during the naturalization process.

Federal prosecutors are also pursuing denaturalization in other cases, including one involving a Nigerian-born individual convicted of fraud-related offenses. Authorities allege some of the conduct occurred prior to naturalization.

Legal experts note that denaturalization requires a high standard of proof in federal court. The government must demonstrate with clear and convincing evidence that citizenship was improperly obtained.

Some immigration advocates have expressed concern about the potential broader effects of increased enforcement, while officials say the actions are intended to uphold legal requirements for naturalization.