US Justice Department launches coordinated denaturalisation proceedings over allegations including identity fraud and other serious offences
An Indian-origin man is among 25 naturalised US citizens facing legal proceedings that could result in the revocation of their American citizenship as part of a major fraud crackdown launched by the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
The department has filed a civil complaint against 65-year-old Narinder Singh in the US District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging that he obtained entry into the United States by using a fraudulent identity before later becoming a naturalised US citizen in May 2008. Authorities claim Singh used two different identities after arriving in the country in 1996 and made repeated false statements during the immigration and naturalisation process.
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According to the DOJ, the complaint contains seven counts related to alleged misrepresentations and unlawful conduct that prosecutors argue demonstrate a lack of the good moral character required for US citizenship
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The government is seeking to revoke Singh’s citizenship through civil denaturalisation proceedings
The action forms part of what the Justice Department described as its largest coordinated denaturalisation initiative in recent years. The 25 individuals named in the latest cases are accused of offences ranging from identity fraud and immigration-related deception to attempted murder, child sexual abuse and other serious crimes. Two individuals of Pakistani origin are also among those facing proceedings over alleged identity fraud.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said American citizenship is “one of our nation’s highest privileges” and must be obtained lawfully. He stated that the complaints allege the individuals secured naturalisation through fraud, concealment or other unlawful conduct, including hiding disqualifying criminal activity.
Civil denaturalisation cases are heard in federal courts, where the government must prove that citizenship was obtained illegally or through the concealment of material facts. If the court rules in favour of the government, an individual may lose US citizenship and become subject to further immigration proceedings.
