Naturalization Accountability Act

The Naturalization Accountability Act proposes to broaden the federal government's authority to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans. Under current law, denaturalization is typically reserved for cases involving fraud during the application process or membership in certain subversive groups within a specific timeframe. This bill would expand those grounds to include any felony conviction, regardless of whether the crime occurred before, during, or after the individual became a citizen.

Additionally, the legislation aims to remove existing time limits on certain denaturalization triggers. It proposes to eliminate the five-year window for revoking citizenship based on membership in totalitarian or treasonous organizations and would allow the government to initiate criminal proceedings for unlawful procurement of citizenship at any time by removing the current 10-year statute of limitations. It also specifically targets individuals who affiliate with or support terrorist organizations after receiving their citizenship.

If enacted, the bill would create a permanent risk of losing citizenship for naturalized individuals who commit serious crimes or engage in activities deemed a threat to national security. Proponents argue the measure ensures that the privilege of citizenship is reserved for those who uphold the law and demonstrate good moral character, while critics may raise concerns about the creation of a two-tiered citizenship system where naturalized citizens face penalties that do not apply to those born in the United States.