Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Trump Considers Revoking Citizenship for Naturalized Criminals
President Trump is thinking about taking away US citizenship from some people who became citizens after having a Green Card.
This is because he believes some criminals might have become citizens by lying or not following the rules.
To become a US citizen, people usually need to live in the US for five years, be good people, know English, and pass a test about US history and government.
If someone lied to become a citizen, a court can take it away.
Trump wants to make sure this doesn't happen, but it's not clear if he has the power to do this.
President Trump is considering revoking US citizenship from naturalized immigrants convicted of crimes.
Denaturalization is the process of revoking US citizenship for illegal procurement or misrepresentation during the naturalization process.
A court order is required for denaturalization, ensuring due process for the impacted individual.
Naturalization requires lawful permanent residents to meet specific criteria, including residency, good moral character, English proficiency, and passing a US history and government exam.
The Trump administration has prioritized denaturalization, with under-reporting income on a tax return potentially resulting in loss of citizenship.
- Who
- President Trump and naturalized immigrants convicted of crimes
- What
- Potential revocation of US citizenship for naturalized criminals
- When
- Currently under consideration by the Trump administration
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address deficiencies in naturalization and vetting processes, and to remove criminals who obtained citizenship illegally
- Green Card
- Permanent Resident Card allowing living and working in the US
- Naturalization
- Process of granting US citizenship to lawful permanent residents
- Denaturalization
- Revocation of US citizenship for illegal procurement or misrepresentation
- Citizenship Requirements
- 5 years of US residency, good moral character, English proficiency, US history and government exam
- Denaturalization Process
- Requires a court order and due process