DOJ tells prosecutors to seek denaturalization for certain criminals

Published July 1, 2025 1:22pm ET



The Justice Department has issued a memorandum telling prosecutors to consider stripping U.S. citizenship from naturalized immigrants convicted of serious crimes, building upon efforts that began just months before the end of President Donald Trump‘s first term five years ago.

In a June 11 memo, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate directed attorneys in the Civil Division to “prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence.” The memo outlines 10 categories of offenses that will trigger priority review, including terrorismwar crimeshuman traffickingfinancial fraud, and gang activity.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.