Naturalized citizens at risk of being deported
People who were born outside the United States but became naturalized as a US Citizen are now at risk of “denaturalization”. Denaturalization is the revocation of United States citizenship of a naturalized immigrant by the U.S. government.
Historically this process has only been enforced against individuals who lied on immigration application or committed fraud in relation to their application to become citizens, but a June 11th Memo from the Department of Justice states that the DOJ is prioritizing revoking citizenship from some naturalized Americans who commit certain crimes, including sex offenses.
Where denaturalization proceedings have been extremely rare in years past, the Memo states, “the Civil Division shall prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence.” It then gives a list of “categories of priorities for denaturalization cases”. Among them is “Cases against individuals who committed human trafficking, sex offenses, or violent crimes”.
For some, being removed from the US and its draconian laws might be a favor. For others, especially those with decades old offenses who have since gone on and started families here in the US, the prospect of being separated from a spouse or children at any given moment is a very scary prospect.
A copy of the memo follows:
Denaturalization Memo
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We need to take every opportunity to become visible and change perceptions of boogymen. As time passes, politicians and agents just continue to add more punishment to an increasingly weary population. This seems especially true in FL. DeSanto’s lack of empathy for those victimized by these draconian rules seem like no progress can be made to helping Americans survive this degradation. Here is my response:
Ref USDOJ Civil Division MEMORANDUM, Subj: Civil Division Enforcement Priorities, dated June 11, 2025 (Acquired by FL Action Committee)
Dear Mr. Shumate,
Subject: Concerns Regarding Policy Language in Para 5 Sub 5
As you develop national policy pertaining to sex offenders, I respectfully urge you to consider the most current research and scholarship on the subject—and the ongoing injustices suffered by this population.
Your recent Memorandum, Para 5 Sub 5, could be significantly improved by specifying “violent sex offenders” rather than using the broad term “sex offenders.” The current language invites a sweeping interpretation and lacks the precision needed for fair and effective policy.
Let me briefly offer some facts:
The term “sex offender” typically refers to anyone listed on a Sex Offender Registry. These are individuals who have completed their sentences, undergone sex offender treatment programs, and are now trying to rebuild their lives. Numerous studies show they are among the least likely to reoffend. Offenses are more often committed by someone known to the victim—family, acquaintances, or persons not on the Registry.
Worse still, the label “sex offender” encompasses a wide range of conduct, from consensual teen relationships, streaking, public urination, illegal images, nudity, and sexting, to the most violent forms of sexual assault. Yet your language makes no distinction between these extremes.
Meanwhile, America holds the largest prison population in the world—a fact that reflects systemic failure, not strength. We don’t focus on reintegration—we warehouse. In many states, sex offenders are punished for life. Some sheriffs publicly shame families by posting signs in their yards. Offenders are denied shelter in emergencies. These men—often veterans, fathers, and sons—made mistakes, served their time, and yet continue to be punished by ever-harsher laws that let politicians look “tough on crime” while ignoring justice or rehabilitation.
How do we fix this?
Some call for eliminating the registry entirely, defunding the SMART office, or ending pressure on other countries to adopt our registry model. At a minimum, I believe we must:
– Restrict the registry to violent offenders
– Reclassify lesser, non-violent offenses as misdemeanors
– Pursue meaningful reform to reduce costs and bureaucracy
Thank you for your time and consideration.
This is excellent – thank you for sharing it.
I do wonder how long it will be before the government starts talking about removing citizenship rights from Americans in general. Given the animosity towards registrants, I don’t think that it is a stretch of the imagination.
This president tends to float ideas by making a casual comment to gauge public reactions. He has already publicly mused about sending “homegrown criminals” to prisons overseas. I suspect that those serving time for a sex offense will be near the top of the list.
And you can guarantee that PFR will be on the top of that list.
While this is concerning no matter how many ways I seen people spin this as a good thing, this administration has said that they soon want to focus this towards American citizens soon.