The Trump administration is moving ahead with a plan that could significantly increase the number of Americans stripped of their citizenship.
According to internal guidance issued in December 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been instructed to supply the Department of Justice with between 100 and 200 denaturalization cases per month in 2026.
That may sound administrative. It isn’t.
If implemented fully, it would mark one of the most aggressive expansions of citizenship revocation efforts in modern U.S. history.
What Is Denaturalization?
Denaturalization is the legal process of revoking U.S. citizenship from someone who was not born in the United States but obtained citizenship through naturalization.
Under U.S. law, this is allowed only under specific conditions — primarily if citizenship was obtained through:
- Fraud
- Concealment of material facts
- Willful misrepresentation
Historically, this process has been rare.
Between 1990 and 2017, the United States averaged roughly 11 denaturalization cases per year, according to data from the Brennan Center for Justice.
That is what makes the new monthly targets striking.
From Rare Action to Monthly Quotas
The reported guidance instructs immigration officials to review past naturalization cases and identify individuals who may be eligible for denaturalization proceedings.
Agency experts are reportedly visiting field offices nationwide and reallocating staff to focus on reviewing old cases.
If the monthly target of 100–200 cases is maintained, that could mean 1,200 to 2,400 denaturalization proceedings annually — a dramatic increase compared to historical norms.
The administration says the focus is fraud.
Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesperson, stated that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward fraud in the naturalization process and will pursue denaturalization where there is credible evidence that an individual lied or misrepresented themselves.
He described the effort as part of a broader campaign to protect the integrity of America’s immigration system.
The Broader Policy Push
A June 2025 memorandum from the Department of Justice stated that President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi would prioritize and pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by evidence.
Officials have indicated that enforcement could extend beyond simple paperwork errors, particularly in cases involving alleged national security concerns or material misrepresentation during the naturalization process.
The language in these memos signals intent: this is not a symbolic effort. It is operational.
Why This Matters
On paper, the policy is about fraud.
In practice, it touches something deeper: the permanence of citizenship.
There are approximately 26 million naturalized U.S. citizens currently living in the United States. Over the past decade alone, nearly 8 million people became U.S. citizens.
For decades, naturalization has been viewed as a final step — a secure endpoint after years of immigration processes.
Expanding denaturalization efforts introduces a different tone.
It suggests that citizenship, while legally protected, can be revisited.
That psychological shift is significant.
Supporters Say It’s About Accountability
Supporters of the policy argue that citizenship obtained through deception should not stand.
They say fraud undermines the credibility of the immigration system and disadvantages those who followed the law honestly.
From this perspective, increased enforcement is about fairness and deterrence.
If fraud occurred, they argue, correction is necessary — regardless of time passed.
Critics See Risk of Expansion
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are raising concerns that broader guidelines could open the door to more aggressive interpretations of “misrepresentation.”
They worry about:
- Expanding definitions of fraud
- Retroactive scrutiny of minor inconsistencies
- Increased fear among naturalized citizens
While denaturalization still requires court proceedings and legal standards, critics argue that scaling the effort changes the environment for millions of naturalized Americans.
Even if only a small percentage are affected, the signal sent is powerful.
Is This Legally Possible?
Yes — but with limits.
Denaturalization cases must go through federal court. The government carries the burden of proof. The legal standard is high.
This is not something that can happen through an administrative shortcut.
Still, shifting from an average of 11 cases per year to potentially thousands represents a fundamental change in enforcement posture.
The Bigger Question
This story is not just about numbers.
It raises a broader question:
Is citizenship an irreversible milestone — or a status that can be re-examined years later?
For foreign-born Americans, that distinction matters deeply.
For policymakers, it becomes a balancing act between enforcement and stability.
The Bottom Line
The Trump administration is moving to significantly increase denaturalization proceedings, targeting between 100 and 200 cases per month in 2026.
Officials say the focus is fraud and national security concerns.
Critics warn that expanding the scope could create uncertainty for millions of naturalized Americans.
Whether the plan leads to sweeping changes or remains narrowly focused on clear fraud cases will depend on how aggressively it is implemented — and how courts respond.
But one thing is certain:
Citizenship policy is no longer a quiet administrative issue.
It is becoming a central part of the national conversation.