The US Department of Justice has announced that 25 foreign-born individuals, among them several Africans, have been stripped of their US citizenship following legal actions filed in federal courts nationwide.
The denaturalisation cases, lodged between July 20 and August 3, 2026, are part of a broader crackdown that has seen 123 citizenship revocations since January 2025, marking the highest number ever recorded in such enforcement.
Serious Criminal Allegations
The individuals face allegations including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated sexual assault of a child. These charges underpin the Justice Department's efforts to ensure citizenship is granted only to those who obtain it lawfully.
Legal Basis for Citizenship Revocation
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, naturalised US citizens can have their citizenship revoked if it was acquired through concealment of material facts or willful misrepresentation, especially regarding criminal history.
Justice Department's Position
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the importance of lawful naturalisation, stating, "US citizenship is one of our nation's highest privileges, and it must be obtained lawfully and honestly." The current administration has intensified its focus on rooting out citizenship fraud, particularly cases involving hidden criminal records.
Notable Africans Named in the Denaturalisation List
- Jonathan Omorogieva Obasohan (Nigeria)
- Enos Fong Korti (Liberia)
- Yetunde Folake Olaniyi (Nigeria)
- Esther Quayle (Ghana)
- Eddie Jones Appah (Ghana)
- Vivian Chike Obichere (Nigeria)
- Francois Nguessi Dame (Cameroon)
Other individuals on the list hail from countries including Pakistan, Moldova, India, Mexico, Colombia, Jamaica, Taiwan, Honduras, Jordan, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Sweden, and Peru.
