Facing denaturalization? You may be able to get help finding a lawyer.
The Denaturalization Defense Clearinghouse is a volunteer effort that tries to connect naturalized U.S. citizens who are facing denaturalization with lawyers who have volunteered to represent citizens in denaturalization cases for free (see Costs and expenses).
Who this is for
You may wish to contact the Clearinghouse if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and you have either:
- received a threat of denaturalization from the government (for example, a notice or letter suggesting the government may try to take away your citizenship); or
- been sued or served with a civil denaturalization complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in federal court.
What denaturalization is, in plain language
Denaturalization is a legal action in which the government asks a court to cancel a person's U.S. citizenship. A civil denaturalization case is one the government brings in federal court (as opposed to as part of a criminal prosecution). It is a serious matter: if the government succeeds, a person can lose their U.S. citizenship. Because these cases move on court deadlines, getting legal representation in time can matter a great deal.
What the Clearinghouse does, and does not do
The Clearinghouse's role is limited to trying to connect you with a qualified volunteer lawyer who is willing to consider representing you on a pro bono (free of charge) basis (see Costs and expenses). The Clearinghouse has a list of qualified lawyers willing to represent civil denaturalization defendants but does not guarantee that a lawyer will be found for every case, and does not guarantee any particular result in your case.