WASHINGTON: The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an expanded campaign aimed at revoking the citizenship of naturalized American citizens accused of fraud, criminal activity, or concealing key information during the immigration process.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, legal proceedings have been initiated against multiple individuals who allegedly obtained American citizenship through misrepresentation. Authorities say the cases involve serious allegations including fraud, terrorism links, financial crimes, and other violations.
Officials stated that these individuals either provided false information or withheld critical details during their naturalization process. The government maintains that such actions would have disqualified them from obtaining citizenship if they had been disclosed earlier.
Among the cases cited is that of an Indian-origin businessman, Debasis Ghosh, who is accused of involvement in a $2.5 million investment fraud scheme. U.S. authorities allege that he misled investors before and after obtaining citizenship.
The Justice Department said additional cases under the renewed initiative include allegations related to terrorism, war crimes, and arms trafficking. The legal actions are being coordinated between the Office of Immigration Litigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and federal prosecutors across various states.
Denaturalization, the legal process of revoking citizenship, is considered rare and complex in the United States. Official data shows that only a few hundred such cases were pursued between 1990 and 2017. However, officials say the current campaign is significantly broader in scope.
The government argues that citizenship obtained through deception undermines the integrity of the immigration system, making enforcement action necessary.
Civil rights organizations have expressed concern, warning that the move could create fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities and discourage applicants from seeking citizenship.
While no Pakistani nationals have been reported among the current cases, the involvement of a South Asian-origin individual has sparked concern within diaspora communities.
