U.S. planning aggressive expansion of denaturalization push, aiming for 250 cases by fall
June 18, 2026 / 11:28 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Trump administration plans to file at least 250 denaturalization cases in fiscal year 2026.
- This represents a significant escalation in the use of denaturalization powers, rarely used by past administrations.
- Between 1990 and 2017, an average of only 11 denaturalization cases were filed annually.
- Federal law allows denaturalization for obtaining citizenship illegally or through fraud, such as lying on applications.
- The administration has broadened the types of cases prioritized for denaturalization.
- Individuals targeted can contest allegations, but if the government wins, they lose citizenship benefits and face deportation.