Punjab-origin man among 40 facing US citizenship loss

Those facing denaturalisation include people accused of acting as foreign agents, voluntary manslaughter and aggravated sodomy

The US launched the largest denaturalisation effort in modern history by moving to strip 40 individuals, including one of Punjab-origin man, of their American citizenship, the department of justice said.

In 2003, he sought and received permanent resident status under a second identity. (HT)

The 40 individuals facing denaturalisation actions in multiple US courts have been accused of serious offences, including acting as an agent for a foreign government, committing voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated sodomy against a special-needs man.

Balwinder Singh of California is facing denaturalisation action in the state’s eastern district court for using a fraudulent identity to gain admission to and acquire a US citizenship.

“Today’s announcement marks the largest denaturalisation effort in modern history,” said attorney general Todd Blanche on Monday.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalised US citizen’s citizenship may be revoked and certificate of naturalisation cancelled, if it was procured illegally or by concealment of a material fact or by wilful misrepresentation.

“Every single one of these individuals lied their way into US citizenship,” said assistant attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the justice department’s civil division. “This administration will continue to pursue the largest denaturalisation effort in department history to restore trust and integrity in US citizenship. Our message is clear: the United States will not tolerate deception in the naturalisation process,” Shumate said.

In 2003, he sought and received permanent resident status under a second identity.

“Fingerprints establish that Singh submitted both applications. In 2009, Singh naturalised under his second identity. The complaint alleges seven counts for his numerous misrepresentations and unlawful acts that adversely reflect his moral character,” the justice department said.

The department said it is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Jinchao Wei, a China-born former US Navy sailor convicted of espionage-related offences. According to the justice department, Wei enlisted in the Navy in 2021 and by February 2022 had begun conspiring to sell military secrets to China. He became a US citizen in May 2022 under provisions designed to expedite naturalisation for people serving honourably in the US armed forces. Wei was convicted in August 2025 of conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage and unlawful export of technical data related to defence articles.