{"id":352744,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/citizenship\/can-your-u-s-citizenship-be-revoked.html"},"modified":"2023-06-21T20:29:23","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T01:29:23","slug":"can-your-u-s-citizenship-be-revoked","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/can-your-u-s-citizenship-be-revoked.html","title":{"rendered":"Can Your U.S. Citizenship Be Revoked?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can Your U.S. Citizenship Be Revoked?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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It is possible for naturalized U.S. citizens to have their citizenship stripped. But it is rare. It happens through a process called "denaturalization."<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Under the\u00a014th Amendment\u00a0to the U.S. Constitution, the government cannot revoke the citizenship of a natural-born U.S. citizen (U.S.C). However,\u00a0renouncing citizenship<\/a>\u00a0is an option for those born in the United States. Denaturalized U.S. citizens are subject to removal (deportation) from the United States.<\/p>\n

This article covers the grounds for revocation of United States citizenship. It will also cover the basics of the denaturalization process. In it, you’ll also learn more about defenses to denaturalization.<\/p>\n

The stakes are high if you’re facing denaturalization. Legal help is available. Contact an immigration attorney<\/a> to protect your future in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Grounds for Denaturalization<\/h2>\n

The U.S. government may revoke a naturalized U.S. citizen’s citizenship for various reasons. The following are some of those reasons.<\/p>\n

Lying During the Naturalization Process<\/h3>\n

During all stages of your naturalization process, but especially the naturalization interview, you must not lie. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) might not detect dishonesty at first. But the agency\u00a0may file a denaturalization action against you at any time.<\/a>\u00a0This includes the period after you gain citizenship.<\/p>\n

Examples of offenses include failure to disclose criminal activities or lying about your identity. Failure to disclose any material fact can have severe negative consequences for people seeking U.S. citizenship. It is particularly bad when such a failure involves willful misrepresentation. This also extends to your time as a lawful permanent resident.<\/p>\n

If it is found that you lied to a government official at any point in your immigration journey, it could lead to having your citizenship revoked.<\/p>\n

Refusal to Testify Before Congress<\/h3>\n

You may not refuse to testify before a U.S. congressional committee investigating your alleged involvement in subversive acts. Subversive acts are those intended to harm U.S. officials or overthrow the U.S. government. Such requirements to testify before Congress expire after ten years. If you refuse to testify, the government may revoke your citizenship under Section 340(a) of\u00a0the Immigration and Nationality Act<\/a>\u00a0(INA).<\/p>\n

Membership in a Renegade Group<\/h3>\n

Your\u00a0citizenship may be revoked<\/a>\u00a0if the U.S. government can prove that you joined a subversive organization within five years of becoming a naturalized citizen. Subversive organizations are groups deemed to be threats to U.S. national security. Examples include the Nazi Party and Al Qaeda.<\/p>\n

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enhanced its methods for identifying threats<\/a>\u00a0during the Biden administration. This system can involve tracking peoples’ involvement in subversive organizations. U.S. authorities may collect and store information on individuals in foreign countries. They may do so without violating relevant protections against warrantless surveillance.<\/p>\n

During the naturalization process, remain aware of how sensitive your data can be. Under the Patriot Act, United States authorities have far greater freedoms in terms of collecting and storing people’s data. Because of the Act, U.S. authorities can do so without first obtaining warrants.<\/p>\n

Dishonorable Military Discharge<\/h3>\n

Some people become naturalized U.S. citizens by serving in the U.S. armed forces. If you procured naturalization in this way, the government can revoke your citizenship if you are\u00a0dishonorably discharged<\/a>\u00a0before serving five years of military service. Reasons for dishonorable discharge include desertion and sexual assault. But discharges like this must follow a\u00a0general court-martial.<\/a><\/p>\n

Other Grounds and Processes<\/h3>\n

The Department of Justice<\/a> (DOJ) may file lawsuits against naturalized U.S. Citizens to strip them of their citizenship on two grounds:<\/p>\n