U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) on Jan. 20 led 42 Republicans in introducing legislation that would expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings for people who have engaged in serious criminal conduct, fraud, or terrorist activity.
“If you came to this country to harm and take advantage of the American people, I’ve got news for you: You’re going home,” Rep. Emmer said on Tuesday. “Anyone who commits fraud against American taxpayers, affiliates with a terrorist organization, or commits an aggravated felony or espionage after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen never met the requirements for naturalization in the first place and should be denaturalized and deported.”
The Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act, H.R. 7156, would clarify what evidence the government can use when proving an individual did not meet the lawful requirements at the time of their naturalization.
The bill would create a path to denaturalize anyone who, within 10 years of their naturalization, is convicted of fraud against the government, found to have joined or affiliated with a foreign terrorist organization, or is convicted of an aggravated felony or espionage, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Emmer’s office.
“This legislation not only holds Somali fraudsters in Minnesota accountable, but it restores long-overdue integrity to America’s entire naturalization process,” said Rep. Emmer. “It’s time to send them home.”
Among the original cosponsors of H.R. 7156 are U.S. Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Mike Bost (R-IL).
The measure is supported by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, the Immigration Accountability Project, and the National Immigration Center for Enforcement.