The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a historic crackdown on naturalised citizens, filing 25 civil denaturalisation cases against individuals from 17 countries, including Nigeria. The move, announced on August 5, 2026, represents the largest coordinated effort in US history to strip citizenship from those who allegedly obtained it through fraudulent means.
Largest Coordinated Denaturalisation Effort in US History
The complaints, filed in federal courts between July 20 and August 3, target naturalised citizens accused of various unlawful practices. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that these actions are part of a broader immigration enforcement drive under President Donald Trump's administration. Since January 20, 2025, the DOJ has filed 123 civil denaturalisation complaints, the highest number ever recorded.
Blanche emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating: "U.S. citizenship is one of our nation's highest privileges, and it must be obtained lawfully and honestly." He added that the latest filings "represent the largest coordinated denaturalization effort in Department history, but they are only the beginning."
Allegations Include Fraud, Concealment, and Serious Crimes
The complaints allege a wide range of offences, including identity fraud, sham marriages, violent crimes, child sexual abuse, financial crimes, and false statements during immigration proceedings. According to the DOJ, these individuals allegedly secured naturalisation by concealing disqualifying facts or through deliberate misrepresentation.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate called the surge "unprecedented," stating: "Every one of these individuals committed crimes incompatible with U.S. citizenship. We are moving at record speed to denaturalize those who sought to deceive the federal government."
Full List of 17 Countries Named in the Complaints
The 25 defendants originate from the following countries:
- Pakistan
- Moldova
- India
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Nigeria
- Liberia
- Ghana
- Jamaica
- Taiwan
- Honduras
- Cameroon
- Jordan
- Cuba
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Peru
Nigeria appears three times on the list, with individuals named as Jonathan Omorogieva Obasohan, Yetunde Folake Olaniyi, and Vivian Chike Obichere. The complaints allege that each obtained US citizenship through false identities, fraudulent documentation, or material misrepresentations.
Legal Basis and Due Process
Under the US Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained illegally or through concealment of important facts or deliberate misrepresentation. The DOJ clarified that these are civil actions, and the allegations have not been proven in court. No determination of liability has been made.
The offences alleged include immigration fraud, marriage fraud, identity theft, passport fraud, attempted murder, domestic violence, bank fraud, credit card fraud, child sexual abuse, sexual assault of minors, money laundering, grand theft, practising medicine without a licence, and making false statements during immigration proceedings.
Previous US Embassy Advisory on Visa Duration
In a related development, the US Mission in Nigeria has reminded travellers that holding a valid US visa does not automatically determine how long they can remain in the country. The embassy urged international visitors to verify their authorised period of stay through their electronic arrival record after entering the United States.
The denaturalisation cases underscore the Trump administration's intensified focus on immigration enforcement, with the DOJ vowing to continue using all available tools to protect the integrity of the naturalisation process.
