Administration Seeks to Revoke Citizenship of 17 Naturalized Americans

Federal prosecutors filed denaturalization actions in multiple U.S. District Courts targeting 17 naturalized citizens accused of serious crimes and immigration fraud. The filings mark the latest step in an ongoing administration effort to revoke citizenship obtained through alleged deception during the naturalization process.

Among those named is Leidys Delmas Garcia, a Cuban native convicted in a $36 million health care fraud conspiracy in Florida. Andrea Marroquin, daughter of a Colombian drug trafficker, faces revocation proceedings over accusations she used inheritance funds for fraudulent real estate deals and conspired in bank fraud and money laundering.

Officials said the 17 individuals include 11 from Latin America and the Caribbean, three from Asia, two from Africa, and one from Europe.

The actions rely on the Immigration and Nationality Act, which permits revocation when officials determine citizenship was obtained by fraud. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “American citizenship is a privilege, and it must be earned honestly.

” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “When criminal aliens exploit the naturalization process by breaking the law, there are consequences. Last month officials announced a separate effort targeting a dozen individuals. The current round brings the total actions announced in recent months to 29.