How to Get Stripped of Your Citizenship
Naturalization is perhaps the ultimate goal of many immigrants in the United States. It is a lengthy process, which can take up to almost 10 years to complete. In order to obtain citizenship, the candidate must prove continuous residency of at least five years, show a good understanding of the English language and U.S. civics, and have "good moral character" and an "attachment to the U.S. constitution."
Due to the exhaustive nature of the citizenship process, it is important to be aware of certain actions that may lead to the involuntary revocation of your U.S. citizenship. (Only naturalized citizens may involuntarily lose their citizenship.)
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Be convicted of an act of treason against the United States. Treason is a serious crime that will inevitably lead to the revocation of your U.S. citizenship and may possibly lead to some jail time. Treason is any act that undermines or destroys the United States and its Constitution on behalf of a foreign country or any organized group.
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Hold a policy-level position in a foreign country. Holding a position as an ambassador, cabinet minister or other government official involved in the decision-making process of a foreign country may lead to the revocation of your citizenship. You may, however, work for government organizations as long as you are not directly involved in policy making.
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Serve in the armed forces of a foreign country in conflict with the United States. However, participating in your native country's military forces is generally permitted, provided that you are not an officer or a non-commissioned officer (sergeant rank or higher), and that your native country is not at war with the United States.
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Lie during the naturalization process. Deliberately withholding or misrepresenting information during any part of the naturalization process can lead to a cancellation of your Certificate of Naturalization and a revocation of your U.S. citizenship. It is also important to note that committing the same actions while obtaining your permanent residency can lead to the same results, provided that the INS can prove wrongdoing within five years of when you obtained your green card. After the five-year window elapses, the INS can only revoke your citizenship if these actions were committed during the naturalization process.
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Refuse to testify before Congress regarding subversive activities. Refusing to testify before Congress within 10 years of naturalization can lead to a revocation of your U.S. citizenship per the request of the Attorney General. Subversive activities are not well-defined, but include spying and participating in a terrorist organization. On the other hand, agreeing to testify before Congress may still lead to the loss of citizenship if your testimony leads to your conviction for treason.
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