Trump was given a win by the Supreme Court. Now he’s running with it.
And President Trump ordered the DOJ to strip citizenship from this high profile group.
Justice Department Bolsters Denaturalization Efforts to Combat Crime
The Trump administration has intensified its focus on public safety, with the Justice Department issuing a directive urging U.S. attorneys to aggressively pursue denaturalization proceedings.
The memo, authored by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate on June 11, emphasizes stripping citizenship from individuals who threaten national security or engage in serious criminal activity, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to law and order.
This move aims to protect American communities by targeting those who exploit their citizenship while undermining public safety.
Targeting National Security Threats and Criminals
Shumate’s memo outlines clear priorities, directing attorneys to focus on denaturalization cases involving individuals linked to terrorism, espionage, or the illegal export of sensitive technology.
It also targets those who have committed war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other grave human rights abuses.
“The benefits of civil denaturalization include the government’s ability to revoke the citizenship of individuals who pose an ongoing threat to the United States,” Shumate wrote, highlighting the removal of naturalized criminals, gang members, and convicted terrorists to prevent them from returning to U.S. soil or traveling abroad on U.S. passports.
The directive further identifies ten priority categories, including those involved in human trafficking, s*x offenses, violent crimes, and financial fraud such as Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud or Medicaid/Medicare fraud.
It also calls for action against individuals tied to criminal gangs, drug cartels, or transnational crime organizations, as well as those who defraud private individuals or corporations.
Denaturalization can be pursued when citizenship was obtained through illegal means, concealment of material facts, or willful misrepresentation.
Swift Action Demonstrates Policy’s Impact
Just two days after the memo’s release, the Justice Department announced the successful denaturalization of an individual convicted of collecting and distributing child s*xual abuse material, showcasing the policy’s immediate application.
Shumate urged the Civil Division to “prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence,” signaling a robust approach to holding accountable those who abuse their citizenship.
