DOJ initiates denaturalization proceedings against 40 individuals

<p>The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to revoke citizenship from 40 naturalized citizens who have been accused of crimes in recent months. This action has been described by Attorney General Todd Blanche as the "largest denaturalization effort in modern history." </p><p><strong>Overview: </strong>The Trump administration has prioritized denaturalization, reallocating personnel to pursue more cases and aiming for a target of 250 cases by October 2026.</p><hr /><p><strong>Details: </strong>The DOJ filed 40 denaturalization actions in federal district courts across the United States between August 21 and October 2, 2026, as stated in a press release from the department.</p><ul><li>Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate stated, "Every single one of these individuals lied their way into U.S. citizenship." </li></ul><p><strong>Background: </strong>Denaturalization cases require a high burden of proof. To revoke citizenship, the DOJ must file a revocation action in federal district court.</p><ul><li>According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the grounds for revocation include illegal procurement of naturalized citizenship or providing false information during the application process.</li><li>The standard for civil revocation of naturalization is described as requiring clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence that does not leave the issue in doubt.</li></ul><p><strong>Specifics: </strong>The individuals mentioned in the DOJ's statement have been convicted of various offenses, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, sexual abuse of a minor, and aggravated sodomy.</p><p><strong>Future developments: </strong>The DOJ has not yet responded to requests for information regarding the total number of actions filed since the beginning of the second Trump administration.</p><ul><li>In April 2026, the New York Times reported that the DOJ had identified 384 foreign-born individuals whose citizenship it sought to revoke.</li><li>In May 2026, it was reported that USCIS lawyers had been temporarily assigned to U.S. attorneys' offices to assist with denaturalization cases.</li></ul><p><strong>Further reading: </strong><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/birthright-citizenship-decision-whats-next">Birthright citizenship decision gives advocates short-lived sigh of relief</a></p>