In this June 21, 2022, file photo, the Robert F. Kennedy Building, the Department of Justice (DOJ) headquarters is shown in Washington, D.C.STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images
The Justice Department announced Monday that it is pursuing the revocation of citizenship for 17 naturalized individuals convicted of offenses spanning from sex crimes to narcotics trafficking.
The administration under President Trump has initiated denaturalization proceedings more frequently than in previous years, issuing repeated warnings that naturalized citizens who commit offenses may face such actions.
According to the DOJ, since the commencement of President Donald Trump’s second term, his administration has initiated 52 civil lawsuits against naturalized citizens who committed offenses, contrasting with the 24 civil suits filed during the four years of the preceding Biden administration.
In this June 21, 2022, file photo, the Robert F. Kennedy Building, the Department of Justice (DOJ) headquarters is shown in Washington, D.C.STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images
"When individuals who are in the country unlawfully exploit the naturalization process by violating the law, there are repercussions. These individuals conceal their past criminal activities, encompassing drug pushers, sexual predators, and fraudsters," stated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Obtaining U.S. citizenship is a privilege, and under the unwavering leadership of President Trump, this Department of Justice upholds a policy of absolute zero tolerance for the misuse of this procedure. We persist in our round-the-clock efforts with our interagency collaborators to guarantee that U.S. citizenship is conferred upon those who genuinely merit it."
To denaturalize an individual who was not born in the U.S., the Justice Department must submit a formal request to the court and demonstrate that the person deceived the government in acquiring citizenship by withholding information about prior offenses. The timeframe for this process is contingent upon the specific court involved.
"American citizenship is a privilege that must be legitimately earned. If you arrive here, transgress our laws, and falsify information during your immigration proceedings, you forfeit that privilege," commented Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. "DHS will not passively observe while Americans are endangered by criminals, including those involved in sex offenses, fraud, and drug trafficking, who have taken advantage of our hospitality and manipulated our immigration system. We will continue to employ all lawful means to denaturalize and deport such individuals."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com