The US Department of Justice has initiated proceedings to strip the citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans accused of hiding crimes or providing false information during the immigration process. Among those targeted is Neeraj Sharma, a 50-year-old Indian-born businessman who was convicted in a visa fraud case. Sharma, the former owner of New Jersey-based company Magnavision LLC, allegedly submitted fraudulent H-1B visa petitions containing false details.
Sharma, who became a US citizen in December 2017, is accused of falsely declaring during his citizenship application that he had not committed any unreported crimes or provided false information to US officials. The government alleges that Sharma concealed unlawful acts and provided misleading information during the naturalization process. The Justice Department emphasized that the lawsuits are civil actions, and the accusations are yet to be proven.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that individuals exploiting the naturalization process face consequences, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy under President Trump’s administration. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stressed that citizenship should be earned honestly and warned against breaking laws and providing false information during immigration proceedings. The cases involve individuals from various countries, including India, China, Haiti, and Mexico, accused of crimes or providing false testimony during the naturalization process.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate affirmed a commitment to pursuing those who unlawfully obtained US citizenship, warning against fraudulent practices. Denaturalization cases, although rare, are utilized in instances of fraud, national security threats, and serious criminal behavior.
