10
Loading video...
By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that it is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Gurmeet Singh, a naturalized U.S. citizen, following his conviction for rape.
Newsweek has contacted the DOJ for comment.
The Context
The case is an example of the rare and complicated process of denaturalization, which allows the federal government to strip citizenship from people who obtained it after immigrating to the United States. The Trump administration is reportedly increasing the use of denaturalization as a tool for addressing criminal or fraudulent behavior among naturalized citizens.
Read More on News
Internal guidance obtained by The New York Times shows that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices were instructed to submit between 100 and 200 denaturalization cases per month to the Justice Department for the 2026 fiscal year. By comparison, just over 120 cases were filed nationwide between 2017 and 2025.
...
What To Know
Singh, an Indian national, concealed and misrepresented in his naturalization application that he had previously kidnapped and sexually assaulted a woman in his taxi, the DOJ said.
After the passenger fell asleep in the backseat, Singh drove her to a side street, where she awoke to find him on top of her, holding a knife to her throat and warning her to stop resisting if she wanted to live, according to the DOJ. He then allegedly bound and gagged her, blindfolded her, removed her clothing and raped her, the DOJ said.
Singh concealed the acts throughout his naturalization proceedings and became a U.S. citizen on October 19, 2011, according to the DOJ.
Following naturalization, he was convicted in May 2014 in New York of rape in the first degree and kidnapping in the second degree as a sexually motivated felony and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the DOJ said.
Denaturalization can occur only through a federal court ruling and cannot be carried out through administrative action alone. Under federal law, citizenship may be revoked under narrow circumstances, including fraud during the naturalization process or certain criminal behavior. The process is highly complex, requiring either a civil or criminal trial in federal court, and proving wrongdoing is resource intensive.
Denaturalization applies only to those who acquired U.S. citizenship through naturalization, not to citizens by birth. Historically, the government has pursued denaturalization sparingly, often involving individuals who obtained citizenship through fraudulent means or concealed serious criminal behavior.
The current push to expand cases signals a more aggressive approach in the Trump administration’s policies, which critics argue may strain judicial resources, while proponents say it upholds the integrity of U.S. citizenship.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a press release: “This Department of Justice will continue to strip citizenship from those who commit heinous crimes and conceal them during the naturalization process. American citizenship is a great and sacred privilege that must be earned honestly.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.: “The defendant in this case secured U.S. citizenship through deceit, and on the heels of committing the heinous crimes of rape and kidnapping. This case, brought to strip the defendant of citizenship that he did not earn and to which he was not entitled, demonstrates our Office’s commitment to protecting the American people and defending the sanctity of U.S. citizenship.”
U.S. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate: “This individual’s vile acts prove that he should not have been granted U.S. citizenship. Singh entered our country through family-based immigration laws, then committed horrible crimes before lying about them to become a U.S. citizen. We will now correct this injustice.”
What Happens Next
Singh’s case moves to the federal courts, where a judge will determine whether the government has met the legal standard required to revoke his citizenship.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines