Denaturalization Becomes a DOJ Focus: What Immigrants Need to Know

In a major policy shift that has raised concern within the immigrant rights community, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced that civil denaturalization is now one of its top five priorities within the Civil Division. This move underscores a more aggressive posture by the federal government toward individuals who have already been granted U.S. citizenship.

What Is Denaturalization?

Denaturalization is the legal process by which the U.S. government revokes someone’s citizenship. Unlike deportation, which targets non-citizens, denaturalization strips individuals of a status they may have held for years or even decades. Once denaturalized, a person may be placed into removal proceedings and ultimately deported.

Historically, denaturalization has been reserved for extreme cases — for example, individuals who concealed war crimes, terrorism-related activities, or egregious immigration fraud during their naturalization process. However, the DOJ’s new announcement signals a broader interest in pursuing these cases more proactively.

DOJ’s Policy Change

According to the DOJ’s June 2025 guidance, civil denaturalization is now listed among the top five priorities of the Civil Division. The listed categories include:

• Civil fraud,
• Opioid-related enforcement,
• COVID-19 fraud,
• Consumer protection,
• Denaturalization.

The DOJ clarified that this list is not exhaustive and that it maintains discretion to pursue cases outside of these categories. It also emphasized that the categories are not listed in order of importance.

This flexibility means the DOJ has left the door open to expanding its enforcement focus — potentially putting more immigrants under scrutiny than initially expected.

Why This Matters

This policy shift should be on the radar of all naturalized U.S. citizens and immigrants pursuing lawful status. Here’s why:

1. Expanded Government Scrutiny

Naturalized citizens may now face retroactive reviews of their immigration history, including asylum applications, green card processes, and any prior discrepancies—no matter how minor or unintentional.

2. Legal Vulnerability for Immigrants With Complex Histories

Those who applied for immigration benefits without legal representation or while under duress may be more vulnerable to allegations of fraud. Even small inconsistencies could now become the basis for a denaturalization case.

3. A Chilling Effect Across Immigrant Communities

For many, this policy sends a message that citizenship is no longer permanent or fully secure. It may also deter eligible immigrants from applying for naturalization, creating additional fear and instability in our communities.

How Motion Law LLC Can Help

At Motion Law, we understand how unsettling this policy shift may feel. Many of our clients have worked incredibly hard to reach the point of naturalization, often overcoming systemic barriers and personal trauma. To now face the threat of denaturalization—sometimes based on minor or unintentional issues—is deeply concerning.

Our legal team is here to help you:

• Review your past immigration applications to identify and address any issues proactively.
• Request and analyze your full immigration record (FOIA) to ensure accuracy and prepare for any potential government inquiry.
• Provide peace of mind through thorough legal guidance from experienced immigration attorneys.

Take Action Today!

If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen or are currently applying for immigration benefits and have concerns about your case history, now is the time to seek legal guidance.

Schedule a consultation with Motion Law today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll walk you through your options and help protect the status you’ve worked so hard to obtain.