"After 61 years of living the American Dream and believing I was an American citizen, I recently found out that my U.S. citizenship had been granted by mistake all of this time. I am a born native of the District of Columbia, and upon renewing my passport in February, I unfortunately became unable to obtain a new travel document without a US citizenship. While challenging, I'm determined to receive the recognition of my citizenship that I so richly deserve." - Dr. Siavash Sobhani #AmericanDream #USCitizenship
United States citizenship is generally considered permanent and cannot be easily revoked. However, there are limited circumstances in which citizenship can be potentially revoked or denaturalization can occur. It's important to note that legal processes and regulations may change, so it's advisable to consult the most recent and applicable legal sources or seek advice from an immigration attorney for the latest information.
Some circumstances that might lead to the loss of U.S. citizenship include:
1. Fraud or Misrepresentation: If a person obtained citizenship through fraud or willful misrepresentation during the naturalization process, it could be grounds for revocation.
2. Criminal Offenses: Certain criminal offenses, especially those related to terrorism or national security, may lead to denaturalization.
3. Membership in Prohibited Organizations: Being a member of or affiliating with certain organizations deemed harmful to the United States could be a basis for denaturalization.
4. Voluntary Renunciation: In some cases, individuals may voluntarily renounce their U.S. citizenship. However, this is typically a personal decision and involves a formal process.
The revocation of U.S. citizenship is a serious and complex matter, and any ethical or justifiable consideration would need to be rooted in adherence to established laws and legal principles. It's important to note that U.S. citizenship is generally considered permanent, and revocation is only allowed under specific circumstances, often involving legal violations. The decision to revoke citizenship must be made through due process, and individuals facing such proceedings have the right to legal representation.
Ethical justifications for revoking U.S. citizenship might include:
Fraudulent Obtaining of Citizenship:
If an individual obtained U.S. citizenship through fraudulent means or willful misrepresentation during the naturalization process, some may argue that revocation is justified to maintain the integrity of the citizenship process.
In the case of Asilonu v. Okeiyi, the case concerned Anoruo Ugochinyere Asilonu also known as Anoruo Asilonu, a Nigerian citizen engaged to Esther Okeiyi's daughter, Blessing, who entered the United States on a K-1 fiancé visa in 2015 and who he legally married in 2016. Asilonu is accused of concealing the existence of another family he was supporting in Nigeria and providing false and/or misleading information during his naturalization process and on his tax documents.
Attorney Ekpu’s aim is to draw attention to the loopholes within the immigration system and to champion the rights of those who sign Form I-864 when fraud or misrepresentation is present. She asserts, "[o]ur role as legal professionals is to contribute to a fair and just system for all parties involved."
Ekpu cites "clear evidence in this case that likely supports elements of fraud and misrepresentation" and calls for a review of the I-864, reform of immigration laws, and a review of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. She believes that not allowing common law defenses to a legal contract is unconstitutional and that immigrants and those who benefit from the immigration system should be held to the same standards as US citizens.
It's crucial to emphasize that these are complex legal matters, and any decision to revoke citizenship involves a legal process with specific requirements. The U.S. government must follow established procedures, and individuals facing such proceedings have the right to legal representation.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on this topic, it is recommended to consult the latest immigration laws, regulations, and official government resources or seek advice from qualified immigration attorneys.
For more information regarding Dr. Siavash Sobhani go to https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/11/25/virginia-doctor-passport-citizenship-nightmare/.
Mary Okeiyi Ekpu is a nurse attorney who serves as a consultant and expert witness in complex medical malpractice and medical-legal cases. You can contact Attorney Ekpu for legal advice, consultation, and support at info@maryokeiyi.com.
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