Naturalization is the process through which an immigrant becomes a citizen. Those who have lived in the United States lawfully for multiple years can request naturalization. They have to undergo a background check, pass tests and take an oath.
Becoming a naturalized citizen is the ultimate goal of many immigrants. Most people assume that the process is inherently permanent. However, denaturalization can sometimes affect those who were not born as United States citizens.
As the name implies, denaturalization involves ending the naturalized citizenship of someone born in another country. Typically, denaturalization means that their immigration status reverts to its former state, which usually means they become a permanent resident again. Who might be at risk of denaturalization?
Those who commit fraud
Perhaps the most common reason for denaturalization is fraud during naturalization. People may intentionally misrepresent their circumstances to become United States citizens.
Marriage fraud is an example of this situation. If immigrants enter fraudulent marriages with United States citizens to legally enter the country or become eligible for green cards, proof of that fraud could put them at risk of denaturalization later.
Anyone who materially misrepresents their circumstances to acquire citizenship could be at risk of denaturalization later. People who assume the identity of others, who intentionally hide criminal activity while naturalizing and who lie on immigration paperwork are at risk of denaturalization.
Those who join dangerous groups
Denaturalization can also occur when a naturalized citizen embraces extremist ideology. If investigators discover that a naturalized citizen has direct connections to domestic or international terrorist groups, that alone can be grounds for denaturalization. The immigrant in question does not necessarily have to commit a major criminal infraction because of their involvement with the group.
Those who leave the military on bad terms
In cases where a naturalized citizen serves in the military, the end of their career could lead to denaturalization. Discharge for anything other than honorable reasons can impact eligibility for citizenship.
Denaturalization is relatively rare, but the denaturalization of one citizen could impact their family members who rely on family-based immigration programs. Most immigrants who successfully naturalize remain citizens for the rest of their lives. Learning more about the rules that limit naturalized citizenship can be beneficial for those worried about their status.