DOJ Files 89 Denaturalization Cases, Targets 250 by October

1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 26

At least 89 denaturalization cases had been filed by July 22, with the Justice Department aiming to bring at least 250 by October as Trump expands a once-rare citizenship revocation tool.
The push follows 2025 orders to devote more resources and "maximally pursue" cases involving alleged fraud or misrepresentation in naturalization, often tied to prior convictions, false identities, war crimes or terror links.
The pace already exceeds Biden-era totals of 24 cases over four years and is on track to surpass modern administrations, with DOJ saying it has won at least 19 cases so far.
Former DOJ lawyers and immigration experts said many allegations resemble past cases, but warned the surge could drain prosecutors from other work and send a chilling message to more than 26 million naturalized citizens.
Courts remain a major constraint because denaturalization suits are costly, slow and closely scrutinized, and even a government win does not automatically lead to deportation.