“Exploring a Controversial Law: Could Citizenship Be at Risk for More Americans?” | CNN Politics

For years, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has been working to uncover former Nazis who lied to become American citizens. They use a law that allows them to revoke citizenship from those who misrepresented their pasts. Recently, under the Trump administration, this power may be expanding significantly.

A new memo from the DOJ suggests that attorneys should target a wider range of individuals—anyone seen as a potential threat to national security. This directive aligns with a tougher stance on immigration and could put millions of naturalized citizens at risk of losing their status and facing deportation.

The focus is on individuals linked to violent crimes, gangs, or drug cartels. But some experts worry that this broadening effort could instill fear among legal immigrants, particularly those critical of Trump. Cassandra Burke Robertson, a law professor, expressed concern, saying, “The politicization of citizenship rights worries me. It goes against our democratic values.”

The authority in question dates back to the McCarthy era, originally aimed at rooting out Communists. Most often, it has targeted war criminals—like the Nazis. In 1979, the DOJ created a unit to deport those who assisted the Nazis, successfully stripping citizenship from around 100 individuals.

Recent statistics reveal stark contrasts in denaturalization efforts. During Trump’s first term, 102 cases were filed compared to only 24 under Biden. So far in Trump’s second term, five cases have been initiated. This push is seen as a way to increase the number of cases, possibly leading to more dubious decisions about who deserves to stay.

Experts fear that the vague guidelines could lead to misguided or politically motivated expulsions. Irina Manta, another law professor, noted the chilling effect such policies could have on free speech, with many legal immigrants feeling anxious about their status.

Trump has even hinted at deporting American citizens who fall out of favor, raising eyebrows about the seriousness of such claims. Recently, Republican Congressman Andy Ogles called for an investigation into New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, questioning his citizenship due to his lyrical praise for individuals linked to Hamas.

The current climate around citizenship and immigration reflects a complicated mix of historical precedents and modern politics, leaving many wondering how far the DOJ might go under these new directives.

For further details, you can refer to the Justice Department’s statistics.

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