Trump escalates denaturalization drive by moving immigration lawyers to DOJ

Trump’s administration is temporarily relocating immigration lawyers from USCIS to the Justice Department to speed up denaturalization cases, aiming to crack down on fraud in naturalization. The transfers, described as voluntary or mandatory, require only an active law license and not prior denaturalization experience. Officials say the burden is high, with 385 people shortlisted and 2,500 potential cases identified previously; 35 cases have been filed since the second term began, including 12 this month. A June 2025 DOJ memo calls denaturalizations a top priority as part of public-safety efforts; critics warn proving fraud is difficult and decentralizing the process could complicate oversight.