DHS Reviews Citizenship of Migrants From 19 Countries for Fraud
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it is reviewing immigration and naturalization cases involving migrants from 19 'countries of concern,' including Somalia, to determine whether any individuals obtained U.S. citizenship through fraud that could justify denaturalization. DHS officials say the effort focuses on potential marriage fraud or false statements made during immigration or naturalization, stress that denaturalization is rare and subject to strict legal standards, and note the review comes amid Republican pressure over alleged large‑scale childcare and social‑services fraud in Minnesota that has already prompted HHS to freeze federal childcare payments to the state.
📌 Key Facts
- DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that the department is reviewing immigration and naturalization cases tied to 19 'countries of concern,' including Somalia, for possible fraud.
- The review will examine whether individuals obtained legal status or citizenship through fraud such as sham marriages or false statements.
- DHS emphasizes that denaturalization is a rare, high‑burden process historically pursued only a dozen to a few dozen times per year.
- The article situates the review amid Minnesota childcare fraud investigations and an HHS freeze on child care payments to Minnesota over alleged misuse of federal funds.
📊 Relevant Data
Minnesota has experienced a massive fraud scheme involving $250 million in federal COVID-19 aid intended for feeding children, with allegations that funds were diverted to fraudulent daycares primarily operated by members of the Somali community.
FBI deploys more resources to Minnesota amid Trump's targeting of Somali immigrants — The Guardian
The Somali population in Minnesota is approximately 64,354, making up 1.12% of the state's total population.
Somali Population by State 2025 — World Population Review
Many fraud cases in Minnesota's social services, including childcare and Medicaid, have been perpetrated by members of the Somali community, with some funds allegedly sent to groups like Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Minnesota Welfare Fraud: Some Funds Went to Al-Shabaab — City Journal
Somali migration to Minnesota was driven by refugee resettlement programs following the Somali civil war, with many drawn to the state's social programs and job opportunities in industries like poultry processing.
How Minnesota became a hub for Somali immigrants in the U.S. — NPR
Between 2017 and 2025, the U.S. Justice Department filed just over 120 denaturalization cases, averaging more than the historical rate of about 11 cases per year from 1990 to 2017.
Trump administration seeks sharp increase in denaturalization cases: Report — Anadolu Agency