Denaturalization is the term that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) used when a naturalized U.S. citizen has had their citizenship revoked. Once citizenship has been revoked through the denaturalization process, the U.S. can call for that individual’s deportation. For U.S. citizens who were born on U.S. soil, their citizenship cannot be taken away unless that person decides to renounce citizenship.
Grounds for Revoking Citizenship
Being involved in activities that might call into question one’s moral character, allegiance, and motives behind citizenship can certainly raise some red flags to the USCIS. After going through the lengthy process of naturalizing as a U.S. citizen, one has to be careful to ensure that nothing jeopardizes that status. In a sense, the actions of a naturalized citizen are more heavily scrutinized than a U.S.-born citizen and it is very possible to lose that status.
A naturalized citizenship can have their status revoked due to the following:
- Lying or an omission of facts during the naturalization process
- The individual intended to or deliberately concealed those facts
- The individual used lies or concealed facts to represent him or herself
- The individual gained U.S. citizenship due based on the falsified information
Expect that the USCIS will conduct a very thorough and in-depth review of a citizen if it ever comes to light that he or she has falsified information on their application. Upon further review of the individual’s background, actions such as joining groups or organizations that have motives of overthrowing the U.S. government or otherwise run contrary to American ideals; for example—joining a terrorist group or refusing to testify under oath to Congress regarding one’s activities. You should know that once citizenship has been revoked and a verdict rendered, the removal proceeding process will occur immediately after.
Take Action Now—Protect Your Status!
At Sintsirmas & Mueller Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland immigration lawyers are seasoned in handling the most complex of immigration matters. If you believe that your citizenship status is being challenged, or the USCIS is calling into question your actions or motives, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. We can offer legal guidance with regards to the various laws and intervene on your behalf.
Contact us today and schedule a free, no-risk case consultation.
