Trump Govt Eyes Revoking Citizenship of 250+ Immigrants in FY26
The Trump administration plans to file more than 250 denaturalisation cases by October, targeting naturalised US citizens accused of obtaining citizenship through fraud or concealing serious criminal conduct.
Senior officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ) have confirmed a major increase in efforts to revoke citizenship from foreign-born Americans accused of misrepresentation during the naturalisation process. In recent weeks, the department has issued several statements highlighting cases involving individuals accused of hiding criminal records or providing false information when applying for citizenship.
Last month, the DOJ announced action against twelve immigrants accused of offences including war crimes, support for terrorism and sexual abuse of minors. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said individuals who deliberately concealed criminal histories or misrepresented themselves during the naturalisation process would face the full force of the law.
The government's authority to pursue denaturalisation comes from the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows citizenship to be revoked if it was obtained unlawfully or through deliberate misrepresentation. Although the law has existed for decades, denaturalisation cases have historically been uncommon.
Between 1990 and 2017, the government filed an average of 11 cases each year. CNN reported that 29 cases were filed in less than two months this year, indicating a significant increase in activity.
Figures compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) show the pace of filings has accelerated. At least 15 civil complaints were filed in May 2026, followed by 18 more during the first half of June.
According to TRAC, immigration fraud, particularly the use of false identities, remains the most common reason for these cases. Other allegations cited in recent filings include child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, terrorism, wire fraud, money laundering and espionage.
Several Indian-born US citizens are among those facing proceedings. One case involves 62-year-old Debashis Ghosh, who is accused of defrauding investors of US$2.5 million and failing to disclose relevant information during his 2012 naturalisation interview.
Another case targets Gurmeet Singh, who allegedly concealed a previous conviction for rape and kidnapping when applying for citizenship in 2011. Both men could lose their citizenship and face deportation if the courts rule in favour of the government.
Denaturalisation cases are decided through the courts, and those accused have the right to challenge the allegations. If a court revokes an individual's citizenship, they lose the immigration benefits associated with that status and may be subject to removal from the United States.
The administration says the campaign is intended to protect the integrity of the immigration system by ensuring that citizenship is not granted on the basis of false information.