How does denaturalization work, and can a naturalized citizen really lose U.S. citizenship? Most people think of U.S. citizenship as permanent, and for the vast majority of naturalized Americans, it is. But under federal law, the U.S. government can revoke (or “denaturalize”) a person’s citizenship in limited and serious circumstances. Denaturalization is rare, highly procedural, and reserved for cases involving fraud, ineligibility, or certain post-naturalization conduct.
- Denaturalization is a rare, formal court process that revokes a person’s U.S. citizenship and returns them to their prior immigration status.
- The DOJ pursues denaturalization through federal civil lawsuits, focusing on illegal procurement, willful misrepresentation, and concealed serious criminal conduct.
- After denaturalization, individuals lose all citizenship rights, may face DHS removal proceedings, and certain derivative family members may also lose citizenship.
What Is Denaturalization?
Denaturalization is the formal process by which the U.S. government revokes a person’s naturalization, cancels their Certificate of Naturalization, and returns them to the immigration status they held before becoming a citizen. Once denaturalized, a person may be subject to removal proceedings.
Grounds for Denaturalization: A Brief Overview
This article focuses on how the denaturalization process works and what follows a revocation order. We cover the four statutory grounds for revoking naturalization in detail in a separate article. The summary below explains the categories a DOJ case is typically built on.
Naturalization Was “Illegally Procured”
A person is subject to denaturalization if they did not actually meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization at the time they became a citizen and the naturalization was “illegally procured.” Procuring naturalization illegally simply means that the person was not eligible for naturalization in the first place.
Importantly, intent does not matter here. Even if the person made an innocent mistake, naturalization is considered illegally procured if any requirement was not met.
Concealment of a Material Fact or Willful Misrepresentation
This ground applies when a person deliberately lies or hides information that would have influenced the naturalization decision. This includes false statements on Form N-400 or during the naturalization interview.
Membership in Certain Organizations Within Five Years of Naturalization
A naturalized citizen may have their citizenship revoked if, within five years of naturalization, they join or become affiliated with the Communist Party, any other totalitarian political party, or a designated terrorist organization. Involvement with these groups generally prevents a person from meeting the naturalization requirements of demonstrating attachment to the U.S. Constitution and being well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.
Serious Criminal Conduct Concealed During Naturalization
Recent DOJ actions show denaturalization is often pursued when individuals concealed war crimes, terrorism ties, sexual abuse, or other serious offenses during the immigration process.
How the Denaturalization Process Works
Denaturalization is not handled by USCIS. It is a federal court process initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Step 1: The Government Investigates
If USCIS or DHS identifies possible fraud or ineligibility in a person’s naturalization history, they can refer the case to the Department of Justice for review.
Step 2: The DOJ Files a Civil Complaint
The Department of Justice files a denaturalization lawsuit in federal district court seeking to revoke the person’s citizenship.
Step 3: The Federal Court Reviews the Evidence
A judge evaluates whether the government has proven illegal procurement or willful misrepresentation by clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence.
Step 4: The Court Issues a Denaturalization Order
If the judge rules for the government, the person’s naturalization is revoked, and their Certificate of Naturalization is canceled.
Step 5: The Government May Initiate Removal
After denaturalization, DHS may place the individual in removal proceedings based on their underlying immigration history.
What Happens After Denaturalization?
The revocation of naturalization is effective as of the original date of naturalization, meaning the person reverts to the immigration status they held before becoming a citizen. Once a federal court orders revocation, the individual’s Certificate of Naturalization is canceled, USCIS updates its records, and the Department of State is notified. Spouses and children who derived citizenship through that person may also lose their citizenship depending on the basis for revocation, particularly when the revocation is for willful misrepresentation, concealment of material facts, or post-naturalization involvement with the Communist Party, other totalitarian parties, or terrorist organizations.
If citizenship is revoked:
- The person loses all rights of U.S. citizenship
- Their Certificate of Naturalization is canceled
- The person returns to his or her immigration status before becoming a U.S. citizen as of the date of naturalization shown on the person’s Certificate of Naturalization
- DHS may initiate removal proceedings
How Common Is Denaturalization?
In a memorandum dated June 11, 2025, the Department of Justice identified denaturalization as a Civil Division enforcement priority, directing its attorneys to pursue these proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence, particularly in cases involving egregious fraud. However, denaturalization remains rare. It is typically reserved for terrorism-related cases, war crimes, human rights violations, large-scale immigration fraud, and serious criminal conduct concealed during naturalization.
Source: DOJ Memorandum on Civil Division Enforcement Priorities, June 11, 2025 (AILA Doc. No. 25063012). This article reflects DOJ enforcement priorities as stated in that memorandum. Enforcement priorities change; last reviewed August 2026.
Speak With an Immigration Attorney About Denaturalization
If you have questions about denaturalization, citizenship issues, or any other immigration matter, Scott Legal is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through even the most complex situations and provide the clarity and support you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
