This legislation aims to expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings. Its primary purpose is to address naturalized citizens who, through specific actions, demonstrate they lacked the requisite good moral character and attachment to the U.S. Constitution at the time of their naturalization. The bill establishes new conditions under which denaturalization can occur. If a naturalized citizen, within 10 years of their naturalization date, associates with a foreign terrorist organization , is convicted of or admits to defrauding a federal, state, local, or tribal government of at least $10,000, or commits an aggravated felony or espionage offense , these actions will serve as prima facie evidence of misrepresentation during their naturalization process. Specifically, these acts would indicate that the individual was not of good moral character, attached to constitutional principles, or well-disposed to the good order of the United States at the time of naturalization. Consequently, their order admitting them to citizenship would be revoked and set aside, and their certificate of naturalization cancelled, with retroactive effect to the original date of issuance. Any person whose citizenship is cancelled under these provisions will become removable through expedited proceedings, irrespective of their immigration status after denaturalization or the time elapsed. The bill includes a fallback provision, reducing the 10-year period to 5 years if the former is deemed unconstitutional, and clarifies the Attorney General's role in initiating these proceedings.
This legislation aims to expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings. Its primary purpose is to address naturalized citizens who, through specific actions, demonstrate they lacked the requisite good moral character and attachment to the U.S. Constitution at the time of their naturalization. The bill establishes new conditions under which denaturalization can occur. If a naturalized citizen, within 10 years of their naturalization date, associates with a foreign terrorist organization , is convicted of or admits to defrauding a federal, state, local, or tribal government of at least $10,000, or commits an aggravated felony or espionage offense , these actions will serve as prima facie evidence of misrepresentation during their naturalization process. Specifically, these acts would indicate that the individual was not of good moral character, attached to constitutional principles, or well-disposed to the good order of the United States at the time of naturalization. Consequently, their order admitting them to citizenship would be revoked and set aside, and their certificate of naturalization cancelled, with retroactive effect to the original date of issuance. Any person whose citizenship is cancelled under these provisions will become removable through expedited proceedings, irrespective of their immigration status after denaturalization or the time elapsed. The bill includes a fallback provision, reducing the 10-year period to 5 years if the former is deemed unconstitutional, and clarifies the Attorney General's role in initiating these proceedings.