Naturalized Citizens Can Be Deported? The New U.S. Reality in 2025

In June 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice quietly issued a memo listing denaturalization—the revocation of U.S. citizenship from naturalized individuals—as one of its top five policy priorities. This marks a profound shift in how citizenship is understood and protected in America.

📌 Table of Contents

• 1. Shocking Announcement from the DOJ
• 2. What’s the Problem?
• 3. Possible Scenarios
• 4. Checklist to Protect Your Citizenship
• 5. Conclusion: Are We Entering the Age of Conditional Citizenship?
• 6. FAQ

1. Shocking Announcement from the DOJ

On June 11, 2025, the DOJ’s Civil Division circulated an internal memo stating that denaturalization is now a top 5 enforcement priority. While it claims to focus on threats to national security, large-scale fraud, and violent crime, the memo also includes the phrase: “any case deemed significant.”

This ambiguous language has sent waves of anxiety through immigrant communities and among naturalized citizens across the country.

2. What’s the Problem?

1) Minor Mistakes Can Be Grounds for Revocation

Failure to disclose old arrest records, minor criminal charges, or even dismissed cases during the naturalization process may now be retroactively interpreted as fraudulent conduct—justifying revocation of citizenship.

2) Civil vs. Criminal Process

Unlike birthright citizens, naturalized individuals can lose their citizenship through civil court proceedings. In such cases, there is no right to a court-appointed attorney, and the burden of proof is lower.

3) Political Weaponization

One notable case involves New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. A progressive politician who naturalized in 2018, Mamdani has faced public calls from some Republican circles for his citizenship to be revoked. This raises fears that denaturalization could be politically abused.

3. Possible Scenarios

Stage	Description
Stage 1	Applied only to terrorism or major fraud cases
Stage 2	Expanded to include minor paperwork omissions or misdemeanors
Stage 3	Selective enforcement targeting political critics
Stage 4	Suppression of political participation in immigrant communities

                           

4. Checklist to Protect Your Citizenship

• Review Your Naturalization File (Form N-400): Ensure all submitted documents were accurate. Double-check legal history and immigration records.
• Consult an Immigration Attorney: If you suspect errors or omissions in your application, seek professional legal advice immediately.
• Organize Legal and Tax Documents: Keep records of arrests, court documents, tax filings, employment verification, and community service.

5. Conclusion: Are We Entering the Age of Conditional Citizenship?

Once seen as the final milestone in the American dream, U.S. citizenship is now showing signs of conditional permanence—especially for naturalized individuals. The DOJ’s new stance redefines the boundaries of belonging, particularly for politically vocal or socially active immigrants. This is no longer just a legal concern but a challenge to the concept of citizenship itself.

6. FAQ

Q1. If someone loses their citizenship, where are they deported?

If the person’s original nationality is still valid, they’re usually returned to that country. Stateless individuals may be removed to countries with special agreements.

Q2. Can citizenship be revoked years after naturalization?

Yes. Even years later, if fraud or false statements during naturalization are discovered, revocation is still possible.

Q3. What can I do now to protect my status?

Review your application, consult a qualified attorney if needed, and organize your legal, tax, and employment records proactively.