Overview
- The Senate bill would lower the threshold for revoking citizenship if, within 10 years, a naturalized person defrauds a government by $10,000 or more, commits espionage, is convicted of an aggravated felony, or affiliates with a designated terrorist organization.
- The legislation treats such post-naturalization conduct as evidence the person never met the “good moral character” requirement, enabling civil denaturalization and potential removal.
- A built-in fallback provision would automatically replace the 10-year window with a five-year window if courts strike down the longer period.
- House Majority Whip Tom Emmer introduced a companion bill on Tuesday, and the White House has endorsed the push, with adviser Stephen Miller publicly praising it.
- Backers point to the Minnesota fraud investigation involving many naturalized residents, with reported losses ranging from at least $250 million to higher estimates cited by Fox News, as prosecutions continue.