How denaturalization works as Trump makes disturbing warning to US citizens

Donald Trump has said he may be willing to revoke the citizenship of some naturalized Americans, raising alarm about the possibility of denaturalization. The comments came amid an intensified immigration crackdown during his second term in office.

Since returning to the White House, Trump’s administration has expanded immigration raids, with reports of ICE detaining people regardless of legal status. While officials claim the actions improve public safety, critics argue they create fear and instability.

Immigration remains a defining issue of Trump’s presidency, even as public support for his approach has declined. His remarks on denaturalization signal a shift from targeting undocumented immigrants to scrutinizing those who legally became US citizens.

In December, Trump suggested that some naturalized citizens were criminals who obtained citizenship improperly. He said that if he had the authority, he would be willing to strip citizenship from individuals he believed did not deserve it.

Denaturalization refers to removing a person’s citizenship against their will. Internationally, one well-known example is Shamima Begum, who lost her UK citizenship after joining ISIS, a case often cited in debates about state power and rights.

In the US, denaturalization applies only to people who became citizens through naturalization. Citizenship can be revoked if authorities prove someone deliberately lied during the process or was legally ineligible at the time.

Trump indicated he would focus on certain immigrant groups, including Somalis, though he said denaturalization could apply more broadly. Critics, including Senator Ed Markey, have condemned the idea as discriminatory and dangerous.