Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has started revoking the citizenship of some naturalized individuals due to criminal activities they concealed during their naturalization process. Two individuals, Vladimir Volgaev and Mirelys Cabrera Diaz, had their U.S. citizenship revoked for involvement in crimes before and after becoming citizens.
Key Facts
- The DOJ revoked the citizenship of Vladimir Volgaev for gun trafficking and defrauding a federal housing program.
- Volgaev hid his criminal activities when he became a U.S. citizen in 2016.
- Volgaev was convicted in 2020 for smuggling goods and theft of government property.
- Mirelys Cabrera Diaz had her citizenship revoked for committing health care fraud.
- Cabrera Diaz was ordered to pay over $6 million as restitution for her fraudulent activities.
- The DOJ has made denaturalization a priority to address citizenship obtained through fraud.
- Denaturalization occurs if an individual lied during the citizenship process or was illegally granted citizenship.
- Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that U.S. citizenship should not be obtained dishonestly.
