Becoming a naturalized citizen is one of the most important days in the lives of all who go through the process. Many will feel a great sense of relief, feeling that the days of uncertainty are behind them. However, others shift their concern to losing citizenship they worked so hard to get.
Someone may tell the naturalized citizen that it is impossible to lose one’s citizenship, but they would be wrong. Naturalized citizens and their children can be stripped of their citizenship in a process called denaturalization. While it was rare, it is growing more frequent in recent months. Those who are denaturalized are then subject to deportation, while those born as citizens in this country are protected by the 14th Amendment.
Denaturalization can happen for the following reasons:
- Falsification or concealment of relevant facts on application
- Refusal to testify before Congress
- Membership in a subversive group
- Dishonorable military discharge
The denaturalized can fight the ruling
As is the case with many legal matters, those whose citizenship has been revoked can appeal to a higher court if they believe the lower court made legal errors. It should be noted that there are other defenses as well, including the fact that there is no guilt for concealing relevant facts if there is no evidence that it was intentional.
Talk to an attorney if denaturalization is threatened
It is crucial to get guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney if government officials threaten to remove citizenship. These lawyers understand the immigration system and can ensure that an individual’s rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law.
