Administration’s Stance on Denaturalization
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that the administration is contemplating the denaturalization of Somali-Americans implicated in fraudulent activities in Minnesota.
Leavitt stated that the Department of Homeland Security is evaluating the possibility of revoking U.S. citizenship for those Somalis involved in these schemes. Out of 98 individuals charged, 85 are reported to be of Somali descent.
“We’re also not afraid to use denaturalization,” Leavitt remarked during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.” She emphasized that this tool is available to both the president and the secretary of state, and noted its previous application by this administration.
Minnesota Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer took to social media earlier this week, advocating for the denaturalization and deportation of all Somalis involved. He expressed his views succinctly: “Send them home. If they’re here illegally, deport them immediately; if they’re naturalized citizens, revoke their citizenship and deport them quickly thereafter.”
Emmer also indicated a willingness to amend laws to facilitate such actions.
“Our nation will not tolerate those who take advantage of our charity and refuse to assimilate into our culture,” he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, Vice President J.D. Vance pledged that further measures would be taken by the Trump administration to address alleged fraud within Minnesota daycares. This announcement followed a decision by Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and Administration for Children and Families Assistant Secretary Alex Adams to freeze all child care payments to the state.
Denaturalization is relatively uncommon; according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, an average of 11 cases were opened annually from 1990 to 2017. However, there was an increase during the first Trump administration, with approximately 25 cases per year.
