<p>The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated the revocation of U.S. citizenship from 40 naturalized citizens, marking a significant action in denaturalization efforts. This move represents the largest number of citizenship revocations at one time during the Trump administration.</p>
<p>On October 2, 2026, the DOJ announced that it had filed denaturalization actions in multiple U.S. district courts against these individuals, who are accused of serious offenses.</p>
<p>Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in a press release, “Today’s announcement marks the largest denaturalization effort in modern history. From an individual convicted of espionage to others convicted of sexual offenses against minors, these defendants concealed critical facts from the U.S. government and represent serious criminal offenders.”</p>
<p>Among the accusations against the 40 individuals are acting as agents for a foreign government, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated sodomy against a person with special needs.</p>
<p>The complaints were filed in district courts between August 21 and October 2, 2026, according to the DOJ.</p>
<p>The U.S. government has the authority to revoke the citizenship of naturalized citizens under the Immigration and Nationality Act if the citizenship was illegally obtained or if information was concealed or misrepresented during the application process.</p>
<p>DOJ Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated, “Every single one of these individuals lied their way into U.S. citizenship. This administration will continue to pursue the largest denaturalization effort in department history to restore trust and integrity in U.S. citizenship. Our message is clear: the United States will not tolerate deception in the naturalization process.”</p>
<p>The Trump administration established a new office within the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2018 to review cases and initiate denaturalization proceedings.</p>
<p>According to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, approximately 24.5 million Americans are naturalized immigrants.</p>