The Trump administration has announced plans to escalate efforts to denaturalize some naturalized citizens, as detailed in internal guidance obtained by The New York Times. This initiative represents a new phase in the administration's immigration policy, which has been characterized by a strict approach to immigration enforcement.

The guidance, issued to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices, instructs them to submit 100-200 denaturalization cases per month for the fiscal year 2026. This proposed increase is notable when compared to the just over 120 cases filed from 2017 to the present, according to the Justice Department.

Under existing federal law, denaturalization is permissible only in cases of fraud during the citizenship application process or under specific circumstances. However, the Trump administration has actively sought to utilize various mechanisms to target both legal and undocumented immigrants. Activists have expressed concerns that this campaign may inadvertently affect individuals who have made unintentional errors in their citizenship applications, potentially instilling fear among lawful residents.

This guidance aligns with the administration's broader strategy to tighten immigration controls, which has included measures such as restricting asylum applications at the southern border, halting asylum requests within the U.S., and implementing travel bans affecting predominantly African and Middle Eastern countries. Officials assert that these actions are intended to enhance national security and uphold the country’s values.

Matthew J. Tragesser, a spokesperson for USCIS, stated that the agency's focus on combating fraud includes prioritizing cases involving individuals who may have unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship, particularly under previous administrations. He emphasized the agency's commitment to collaborating with the Department of Justice to ensure the integrity of the immigration system.