Summary
Creates new reasons to take away U.S. citizenship from naturalized people who commit fraud, join terrorist groups, or commit other serious crimes.
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 4(3)
Header:
Expanding and clarifying denaturalization for individuals who lack good moral character
Creates new grounds for losing citizenship
Allows the government to take away citizenship from a naturalized person if, within 10 years of becoming a citizen, they join a terrorist group, commit government fraud of $10,000 or more, or commit an aggravated felony or espionage.
Makes loss of citizenship retroactive
States that when a person's citizenship is taken away, it is treated as if it was never granted in the first place. The person's citizenship certificate becomes void from the date it was issued.
Requires fast removal from the U.S.
Requires anyone whose citizenship is taken away under this act to be removed from the country using quick deportation procedures.
Creates a fallback time period
If a court finds the 10-year period for committing an offense to be unconstitutional, the time period automatically changes to 5 years.
Expands who can start proceedings
Gives the Attorney General the duty to start the process of taking away citizenship, in addition to U.S. attorneys.
Who does this affect?
- Naturalized U.S. citizens
- Immigrants
- Federal law enforcement agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Creates a less secure form of citizenship
Subjects naturalized citizens to the risk of losing their citizenship for actions committed up to 10 years after becoming a citizen. Critics might argue this creates a two-tiered system where naturalized citizens have fewer permanent rights than native-born ones.
What problem does this solve?
Some people become citizens but then commit serious crimes like fraud or terrorism, showing they were never truly loyal to the U.S. This bill makes it easier for the government to take away their citizenship and remove them from the country.
When does this start?
This bill would take effect as soon as it is signed into law.