The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans accused of obtaining citizenship through fraud, concealment of criminal conduct, or false statements during the immigration process.
The unprecedented batch of denaturalization cases targets individuals from countries including India, Cuba, Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Somalia, the Philippines, and China.
The cases involve individuals accused or convicted of offenses including child sexual abuse, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, visa fraud, money laundering, identity fraud, and illegal drug distribution.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the actions demonstrate a "zero-tolerance policy" toward those who allegedly abused the naturalization process.
The 17 individuals include:
Visa fraud: Neeraj Sharma, Jean Claude Alfred, Fernando Cristancho, Jheromell Obejera Arcilla, Tahir Lekaj, Armando Mendoza, and Ronnie Price.
Sexual crimes: Jean Claude Alfred, Fernando Cristancho, Jheromell Obejera Arcilla, Tahir Lekaj, Armando Mendoza, and Ronnie Price.
Money laundering and identity fraud: Leidys Delmas Garcia, Andrea Marroquin, Maria Lourdes Montoya, Talman Harris, Federico Michel Fermin, Milagros Marileisis Acosta Torres, Abdikadir Ali Kadiye, Victor San Shing Kwok, and Louise Hunkporti.
Other crimes: Rodger George Gurdon.
