The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke the citizenship of 17 U.S. citizens accused of immigration fraud, marking the largest denaturalization effort in U.S. history.
According to officials, the government is using its 'denaturalization powers' more aggressively than before, with the Justice Department filing an average of 11 cases per year between 1990 and 2017.
The 17 targeted individuals include those convicted of serious crimes like child sexual abuse, fraud, and other offenses, who allegedly hid their criminal history or failed to meet the 'good moral character' requirement when applying for citizenship.
U.S. officials say there will be 'zero tolerance' for abusing the citizenship system, with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stating that citizenship must be 'earned honestly' and can be taken away if laws are broken or lies are found in the process.
