Denaturalization is trending in the news. Here is a clear, plain-language explanation of what it is, when the government can use it, and what your rights are.
What Is Denaturalization?
Denaturalization is the legal process by which the US government revokes a person's naturalized citizenship. It is sometimes called "citizenship stripping." It can only be applied to naturalized citizens — people born in the US cannot be denaturalized.
When Can the Government Denaturalize Someone?
Under federal law, denaturalization is only allowed in specific circumstances:
- Fraud or misrepresentation — if the person lied on their citizenship application
- Concealment of material facts — hiding relevant information during the naturalization process
- Membership in subversive organizations — joining certain organizations within 5 years of naturalization
- Service in foreign armed forces — certain cases of military service for a foreign country
- War crimes or terrorism — conviction for specific serious offenses
What Denaturalization Is NOT
The government cannot strip citizenship simply because it disagrees with a person's political views, speech, or legal activities. The Constitution's 14th Amendment provides strong protections for citizenship rights.
What Happens After Denaturalization?
A person who is denaturalized reverts to their prior immigration status — typically becoming a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) — and may then face deportation proceedings.
How Common Is Denaturalization?
Historically very rare. The US government denaturalizes fewer than 100 people per year in most years, almost always for fraud committed during the application process.