The U.S. government is now making big moves that could affect millions of immigrants. A new order from the Department of Justice says that lawyers should now focus more on taking away the citizenship of people who became Americans through naturalisation if it is found that they lied during the process or are connected to serious crimes.
This action could put up to 25 million naturalised citizens at risk.
Who Could Be Affected?
People who may lose their U.S. citizenship include:
Those involved in crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, violent attacks, or gang activity.
Anyone who committed fraud or lied during the citizenship application, such as hiding a criminal record or giving false documents.
People involved in scams during COVID-19, like fake loan claims or benefit fraud.
Even small false statements could now be reviewed more seriously.
Not a Criminal Case — Fewer Rights
The process of taking away citizenship is a civil case, not a criminal one. This means:
You may not get a free lawyer.
The government doesn’t need as much proof as in a criminal trial.
A judge can cancel your citizenship if the court agrees you were not honest during naturalisation.
Why Is This Happening Now?
In the past, the U.S. only cancelled citizenship in rare cases usually when people were involved in major crimes like war crimes or terrorism. But under the current leadership, the rules are now much stricter.
The government has made denaturalisation one of its top priorities, and many people believe the system will now be used more often and more widely.
What Are People Saying?
Some legal experts and human rights groups are worried. They say this policy:
Creates two levels of citizens one for people born in the U.S., and another for those who became citizens later.
Could be used unfairly, especially against immigrants from certain countries.
May affect families, including children, if their parents lose citizenship.
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