Attorneys with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are being temporarily transferred to the Department of Justice as the Trump administration accelerates a crackdown on denaturalization cases stemming from suspected fraudulent immigration applications.
Denaturalization is a priority for administration officials searching for fraud in the legal immigration system, despite the high burden of proof required in these cases.
Sources indicated USCIS attorneys are being temporarily relocated to DOJ offices. Some described the transfers as voluntary but others noted they were essentially forced. Additionally, sources stated that prior experience in denaturalization cases is not necessary—only a valid law license is required.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler stated, “We are proud to support this critical effort by providing the Department of Justice with a team of our most skilled immigration law attorneys.”
A DOJ spokesperson noted the department welcomed this collaboration to advance the President’s mission of promoting public safety and combating fraud.
The legal standard for denaturalization requires “clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence that does not leave the issue in doubt” in civil cases where an individual willfully lied on their application. Cases involving individuals who illegally acquired citizenship despite being ineligible may result in criminal charges.
DOJ officials have identified 384 foreign-born Americans whose citizenship they wish to revoke. During the previous administration, USCIS reportedly identified 2,500 potential cases but referred only a small portion to DOJ.
The Trump administration has filed 35 denaturalization cases during its second term, including 12 this month alone. A June 2025 DOJ memorandum listed denaturalization as a top priority for the administration, stating that pursuing denaturalization “supports the overall integrity of the naturalization program.”
The first Trump administration established a dedicated team of 10 to 15 attorneys to expedite denaturalization cases. USCIS chief Joe Edlow stated that cases identified by that team are still “kicking around” as of September.
Edlow added, “I believe a decentralized denaturalization process is equally effective. If such a process leads to the need for denaturalization, we will proceed. I do not require special handling—every office should use this as a benchmark.”
