Green Card holders who have turned US citizens are facing the risk of losing their citizenship rights. That’s because President Trump is considering whether his administration can legally revoke U.S. citizenship from naturalized immigrants in response to a recent National Guard shooting. Trump talked about this review aboard Air Force One, citing deficiencies in the current naturalization and vetting processes.
However, Trump’s threat of revocation of US citizenship for naturalized citizens is aimed specifically at individuals who have been convicted of crimes. “We have criminals that came into our country, and they were naturalized,” Trump said, adding, “If I have the power to do it—I’m not sure that I do, but if I do—I would denaturalize. Absolutely,” said Trump.
Denaturalization
Denaturalization is the official revocation of a person’s U.S. citizenship. A person is subject to revocation of naturalization if he or she procured naturalization illegally. A person is subject to revocation of naturalization if they deliberately misrepresent or fail to disclose material facts during their application and subsequent examination.
A court order is necessary for denaturalization, ensuring that the impacted person is given due process. Several previous instances demonstrate that denaturalization—the removal of a person’s US citizenship was used to war criminals or individuals who posed a threat to national security.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process of granting US citizenship to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or green card holders who meet Congress’s and INA’s requirements, allowing them to legally reside permanently within the U.S.
Lawful permanent residents or green card holders are foreign immigrants who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States. Green card holders are legally allowed to obtain US citizenship through Naturalization.
Green card and US Citizenship
A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows you to live and work permanently in the United States but does not qualify as a US citizen.
Typically, lawful permanent residents or Green card holders must have lived in the United States continuously for five years, demonstrate good moral character, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and pass a U.S. government and history exam as part of their naturalization interview to be eligible for citizenship and finally become eligible for a US passport.
Earlier this year, the US Department of Justice set a top priority for the revocation of US citizenship and prioritizing denaturalization. Under President Trump’s administration, under-reporting income on a tax return could result in being declared a non-U.S. citizen.