US Moves To Strip Citizenship From 17 People Accused Of Various Crimes | RJR News

US authorities are moving to revoke citizenship from more than a dozen naturalised Americans – including a Jamaican-born man – accused of hiding serious criminal histories during the immigration process. 

The action, described by the US Justice Department as unprecedented, targets 17 individuals alleged to have lied about past convictions ranging from child sexual abuse and drug trafficking to fraud and money laundering when applying for US citizenship. 

Officials say the cases span several nationalities, including persons originally from Somalia, Haiti, Colombia, Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica, who are accused of withholding material facts that would have made them ineligible for naturalisation. 

Among the cases cited, the Jamaican-born man convicted of wire fraud, alongside others including the daughter of a Colombian drug trafficker accused of money laundering, and a Cuban-born woman accused of defrauding a tribal casino. 

Several individuals are also alleged to have use of false identities during the immigration process. 

Under the US Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained through fraud, concealment of material facts or willful misrepresentation. 

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche says the government is maintaining a zero-tolerance approach. 

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also defended the move, saying authorities will continue to use all lawful means to pursue denaturalisation and removal in cases involving fraud and serious criminal conduct. 

The developments are likely to draw attention across diaspora communities, including in Jamaica, where concerns about immigration enforcement and the citizenship status abroad remain sensitive issues.