The Trump administration is preparing an unprecedented crackdown on naturalized U.S. citizens, with plans to file at least 250 denaturalization cases by the end of the fiscal year in September — a dramatic escalation that could strip American citizenship from hundreds of foreign-born individuals accused of fraud or illegal conduct during their naturalization process.

The Justice Department has already filed several dozen such cases in recent weeks as part of a broader effort to tighten legal immigration enforcement. While the total number of cases represents a tiny fraction of the roughly 24 million naturalized citizens in the U.S., it marks a sharp departure from historical norms. Between 1990 and 2017, the government pursued an average of just 11 denaturalization cases per year.

Federal law allows the revocation of citizenship if it was obtained illegally or through fraud, such as lying about criminal history on immigration forms. Those stripped of citizenship typically revert to green card status and face potential deportation.

This aggressive use of denaturalization powers highlights the administration’s continued hardline approach to immigration, even for those who have already gone through the lengthy and rigorous process of becoming American citizens. Historically reserved for the most serious cases — such as war criminals or terrorists — denaturalization is now being expanded to broader categories, raising concerns about fairness, due process, and the stability of legal immigration.

Critics worry the move could create widespread fear in immigrant communities and deter people from pursuing citizenship altogether. Supporters argue it’s a necessary step to protect the integrity of the naturalization system and remove those who cheated their way in.

With the Justice Department signaling more cases are coming, this campaign could reshape how the U.S. treats its naturalized citizens and set a new precedent for future administrations. The coming months will reveal just how far this effort goes — and how many lives it ultimately upends.