On June 11, the Justice Department issued a memo directing U.S. attorneys to ‘prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings’ as part of an administration effort to enhance national security by targeting crime among naturalized citizens. The directive, authored by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, outlines ten priority categories for denaturalization, emphasizing individuals who threatened national security, including those with links to terrorism, espionage, or the unlawful export of sensitive goods or information. Among the focal points are violent criminals, gang members, and those involved in financial fraud, such as fraud against the U.S. government through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Medicare/Medicare schemes. Shumate also highlighted the importance of denaturalizing individuals who furthered the operations of transnational criminal organizations, including drug cartels and other criminal gangs, which contribute to organized crime in the United States.
Furthermore, the memo underscores the benefits of civil denaturalization in removing individuals who committed serious human rights abuses, such as war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other grave violations. These individuals, including violent criminals and sex offenders, are considered a continuing threat to U.S. safety. The DOJ emphasized that denaturalization proceedings can also prevent convicted terrorists from returning to U.S. soil or traveling internationally using a U.S. passport, raising concerns about national security and public safety. In a recent development, the DOJ reported securing the denaturalization of a convicted collector and distributor of child sexual abuse material, demonstrating the department’s commitment to its priorities outlined in the memo. This action aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to address criminal activity among naturalized citizens and reinforce national security measures.