Under very specific and fairly narrow circumstances, you can lose your U.S. citizenship. It can happen through denaturalization if your citizenship was obtained through fraud. It can also happen if you voluntarily give up your citizenship through certain actions. This question often comes from a place of real worry. This is especially true if you’re a naturalized citizen concerned about your status.
If you’re dealing with this concern in 2026, our DuPage County, IL immigration lawyer can help you understand your rights and what actually puts citizenship at risk.
What Is Denaturalization and When Does It Happen?
Denaturalization is the legal process of revoking someone’s citizenship after it was granted through naturalization. Under 8 U.S.C. Section 1451, the government can pursue denaturalization if citizenship was illegally obtained. It can also act if naturalization was obtained by concealing a material fact or making a willful misrepresentation.