Senator Tom Cotton introduced legislation on Mar. 17 that would allow the revocation of citizenship from naturalized citizens who commit felonies or support terrorist groups.
The proposed Naturalization Accountability Act aims to address concerns about public safety by making it possible to initiate denaturalization proceedings against individuals who break U.S. laws after becoming citizens.
Cotton said, “American citizenship is sacred and should not be given to criminals and terrorists under false pretenses. My bill will keep Arkansans safer by subjecting felons and terrorists to denaturalization proceedings when appropriate.”
According to the announcement, the bill would add any felony conviction—regardless of whether it occurred before, during, or after naturalization—as grounds for revoking citizenship. It would also ensure that any naturalized citizen affiliated with a terrorist organization at any point after receiving citizenship could have their status revoked. The legislation allows for criminal denaturalization proceedings at any time following the granting of citizenship.
The text of the bill is available for review as referenced in Cotton’s statement.
If enacted, this measure could impact how authorities handle cases involving naturalized citizens convicted of serious crimes or terrorism-related activities.
