Senators Debate Denaturalization Bill During Judiciary Committee Hearing

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on June 5, 2026, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) criticized Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) after she accused the Trump administration of negatively impacting immigrant communities. The hearing focused on the SCAM Act, or the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation Act, which aims to denaturalize individuals convicted of certain crimes. Hirono, a naturalized citizen, expressed concern that the bill would create unequal treatment for naturalized citizens compared to those born in the U.S., stating, "I can’t think of a more undemocratic, un-American thing to do to someone who chooses to become a U.S. citizen than to hold this over their heads and treat us like second-class citizens." Schmitt responded by asserting that the bill is necessary to protect taxpayers from individuals who commit serious crimes, including welfare fraud and terrorism. He emphasized that those convicted of such crimes should be deported. The discussion included references to cases involving naturalized citizens who committed violent acts, highlighting the ongoing debate over immigration policy and citizenship rights.