Story perspectives

Republicans Seek Easier Denaturalization for Terrorism Convictions

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Republicans push legislation to simplify denaturalization for naturalized Americans convicted of terrorism-related offenses.
Currently, denaturalization is limited to specific grounds and requires judicial approval, with about 11 cases initiated annually from 1990 to 2017.
Representative Riley Moore and other officials say the measure is needed to combat terrorism.
Experts say a criminal conviction alone does not trigger denaturalization, and the practice remains rare.

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Story summary

Republicans push legislation to simplify denaturalization for naturalized Americans convicted of terrorism-related offenses.
Currently, denaturalization is limited to specific grounds and requires judicial approval, with about 11 cases initiated annually from 1990 to 2017.
Representative Riley Moore and other officials say the measure is needed to combat terrorism.
Experts say a criminal conviction alone does not trigger denaturalization, and the practice remains rare.