Has any U.S. citizen had their citizenship revoked?

Yes, U.S. citizens, particularly naturalized ones, have had their citizenship revoked (denaturalized) for reasons like fraud in the naturalization process, concealing past crimes, or involvement in war crimes, with thousands stripped of citizenship historically, though it became rare after the 1967 Supreme Court ruling in Afroyim v. Rusk, but has seen increased efforts recently, especially targeting Nazi war criminals and those who naturalized illegally.

Has U.S. citizenship ever been revoked?

Yes, U.S. citizenship has been revoked, a process called denaturalization, primarily for naturalized citizens who obtained it through fraud or concealment, though it was used more broadly in the past for political reasons (like during the Red Scare) but became rare after a 1967 Supreme Court ruling. Denaturalization cases surged again recently, targeting war criminals, terrorists, and individuals who lied to naturalize, often under programs like Operation Janus, but remain legally challenging. 

How hard is it to revoke U.S. citizenship?

The Process of Revocation

Denaturalization is not a simple administrative action. It involves rigorous legal proceedings, with the government bearing the burden of proof. The U.S. Department of Justice initiates the process by filing a civil lawsuit in federal court.

Can a naturalized U.S. citizen have their citizenship revoked?

Yes, a naturalized U.S. citizen can lose their citizenship through a legal process called denaturalization, primarily if it's proven they obtained it illegally through fraud, hiding material facts (like criminal history or immigration issues), or misrepresentation during the naturalization process, though it's rare and requires a court order. Citizens can also voluntarily renounce their citizenship by taking an oath at a U.S. embassy or consulate, intending to give up their U.S. status. 

How many U.S. citizens have renounced citizenship?

Thousands of people renounce U.S. citizenship annually, with numbers fluctuating but often hovering around 5,000-6,000 per year, though recent years, especially 2020, saw spikes (over 6,000) due to tax burdens like FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and growing political/economic uncertainty. While the official IRS list is delayed, recent data shows increases, with Q3 2024 seeing 2,123 renunciations, the third-highest quarter ever, driven by onerous global tax reporting and logistical issues for expats. 

Denaturalization: 4 Reasons You Could Lose Citizenship in 2025

Why are so many people renouncing U.S. citizenship?

For many Americans living abroad, renouncing U.S. citizenship is less about politics and more about avoiding burdensome tax and banking rules. As more people live and work across borders, the U.S. may need to reevaluate whether its policies support or hinder the lives of its citizens overseas.

What's the hardest citizenship to get?

The hardest countries to get citizenship are often cited as Qatar, Vatican City, North Korea, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia, due to extremely long residency requirements (25 years for Qatar), strict cultural/religious assimilation (Arabic, Islam), minimal pathways (Vatican), or near-impossible access (North Korea). Other tough nations include China, Switzerland, Japan, Kuwait, and Liechtenstein, often requiring long stays, significant integration, and renunciation of other citizenships. 

What are the three ways of losing citizenship?

You can lose citizenship through voluntary acts like naturalizing in another country or renouncing it, or involuntarily through denaturalization for fraud in the naturalization process (like lying about terrorism, war crimes, or criminal history). Other actions, such as serving in a foreign military or committing treason, can also lead to loss if done with the intent to relinquish citizenship. 

Can you get U.S. citizenship back after renouncing?

As previously stated, persons contemplating renunciation of U.S. citizenship are reminded that renunciation is irrevocable, except as provided in Section 351(b) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1483), and cannot be cancelled or set aside absent a successful administrative or judicial appeal.

Can a country kick out a citizen?

Not directly. A naturalized citizen cannot be deported unless their citizenship is first revoked through denaturalization, the government initiates removal (deportation) proceedings, and a judge concludes it has the right to deport the individual.

Will I lose my social security if I renounce my U.S. citizenship?

Renouncing your US citizenship does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits, but it can complicate the process. Your eligibility to continue receiving these benefits depends on whether the US has a totalization agreement with the country where you reside.

What causes U.S. citizenship to be revoked?

You may lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you: Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.

Which citizenship cannot be renounced?

Argentina is one of the few countries in the world where its citizens cannot renounce their citizenship. According to Art. 75- section 12 of the Argentine Constitution, Art. 16 of Decree 3213/84 and judicial interpretation of the Supreme Court, the Argentine nationality is irrevocable.

What celebrity gave up U.S. citizenship?

Several celebrities have renounced U.S. citizenship, often for tax, privacy, or lifestyle reasons, including singer Tina Turner (became Swiss), actor Jet Li (became Singaporean), Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin (became Singaporean), and Monty Python member Terry Gilliam (became British). Reasons vary from avoiding high U.S. taxes to seeking a different cultural lifestyle or escaping celebrity pressures, with figures like Josephine Baker also renouncing U.S. citizenship for anti-racism reasons, becoming French. 

What crimes can get your citizenship revoked?

Crimes related to terrorism and treason are among the most serious offenses that can result in the loss of citizenship. These acts are viewed as direct threats to national security and the nation's integrity. 8 U.S.C. § 1481(a)(7) outlines the loss of nationality by committing acts of treason or terrorism.

Can ice take away your citizenship?

Although American citizens cannot be deported, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials sometimes accidentally detain citizens. For example, ICE may detain American citizens based on outdated records, misidentification, or confusion regarding a person's immigration status.

What's the downside of dual citizenship?

Disadvantages of dual citizenship include potential double taxation, mandatory military service obligations in one or both countries, barriers to certain government/security jobs, and the complexity of navigating different legal systems and obligations, potentially leading to identity challenges or reduced access to specific social benefits. Individuals must comply with laws and fulfill duties (like taxes, military) for both nations, which can be complicated and costly. 

What is the 3 year rule?

The "3-year rule" refers to different time limits, most commonly the IRS statute of limitations for assessing taxes or claiming refunds (generally 3 years from filing, allowing changes by both taxpayer/IRS). It also applies to U.S. citizenship, allowing spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for naturalization after 3 years of marriage/residency instead of the usual 5. Less commonly, it relates to farm loss deductions or estate tax rules for gifts made before death.
 

Can I have three citizenships in the USA?

Yes, the U.S. Department of State allows U.S. citizens to hold multiple citizenships, including three or more, as long as the other countries involved also permit it, but you must use your U.S. passport to enter the U.S. and remember you have obligations to all countries. The U.S. doesn't require you to give up your U.S. citizenship for another, but laws in your other countries (like France or the Philippines) might have different rules, potentially affecting your other citizenships. 

Who can take away your U.S. citizenship?

The federal government can pursue a civil or criminal proceeding in federal court to denaturalize a citizen.

When can a person lose his citizenship?

You can lose citizenship through voluntary acts, like naturalizing in another country or serving in a foreign military, or involuntarily, primarily through denaturalization for fraud in your naturalization process (e.g., lying on applications) or by committing treason, but these actions require specific intent and legal processes, with naturalized citizens facing denaturalization more often than those born citizens. 

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, the status of holding nationality in two countries simultaneously, is an attractive prospect for many who migrate to Australia.

What is the 3 strongest passport in the world?

For early 2026, Singapore holds the #1 spot, with Japan and South Korea tied for #2; the #3 position is shared by five European nations: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, all offering extensive visa-free travel, according to the Henley Passport Index. 

Did the Trump administration make the US citizenship test harder?

U.S. citizenship test gets harder: More questions, tougher standards The Trump administration says more difficult questions, and other changes to the naturalization process, will ensure only immigrants who are "fully assimilated" will gain citizenship.

What countries do not allow you to become a citizen?

Myanmar and Uruguay are currently the only countries in the world that deny immigrants any path to naturalization.