Recent headlines have caused renewed anxiety among immigrants and naturalized U.S. citizens. Following a violent incident in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 2025, former President Donald Trump made public statements calling for the removal of “bad people” from the United States. In some remarks, he went further and suggested that even “homegrown” criminals should be expelled, language that many interpreted as referring to U.S. citizens.
While such statements generate fear and confusion, they also raise an important legal question: can a U.S. president actually deport or expel U.S. citizens? The short answer is no. But the longer answer matters—especially for immigrants, permanent residents, and naturalized citizens who worry about how future enforcement policies could affect them.
Understanding What U.S. Citizenship Legally Means
To understand why deporting citizens is not legally possible, it helps to distinguish between different immigration statuses.
U.S. citizens by birth
Anyone born in the United States (with limited exceptions) is a citizen under the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This citizenship is permanent unless the individual voluntarily renounces it. There is no legal mechanism for the government to deport or expel a person who is a citizen by birth.
Naturalized U.S. citizens
Naturalized citizens—those who became citizens after immigrating—have the same constitutional protection as native-born citizens. Once naturalization is complete, citizenship cannot be taken away simply because of criminal conduct, political beliefs, or changes in administration.
Lawful permanent residents
Green card holders are not citizens. They may be placed in removal proceedings if they commit certain crimes or violate immigration law. Much of the public confusion around deportation stems from conflating lawful permanent residents with U.S. citizens.
Can a President Deport U.S. Citizens?
Citizens by birth
No. Deportation applies only to non-citizens. The Supreme Court has made clear that citizenship, once acquired, cannot be involuntarily taken away. In Afroyim v. Rusk (1967), the Court held that Congress lacks the power to strip citizenship without the individual’s consent. Any attempt to expel citizens would violate the Fourteenth Amendment and the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process.
Naturalized citizens
Naturalized citizens also cannot be deported. Citizenship may be revoked only in extremely narrow circumstances, primarily when it was obtained through fraud or willful misrepresentation during the naturalization process.
Even then, revocation is not automatic. In Schneiderman v. United States (1943), the Supreme Court ruled that the government must prove its case by “clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence,” a standard higher than ordinary civil cases. The process requires full judicial review and cannot be ordered unilaterally by a president.
Criminal convictions after naturalization—even serious ones—do not, by themselves, justify loss of citizenship.
Is “Reverse Migration” Legally Possible in the United States?
The idea that the government could force U.S. citizens to leave the country—sometimes called “reverse migration”—faces overwhelming legal barriers.
Constitutional protections
The Citizenship Clause expressly guarantees citizenship to those born or naturalized in the United States. The Due Process Clause prohibits the government from depriving individuals of liberty without lawful procedures. Mass expulsion of citizens would violate both provisions.
Supreme Court precedent
The Court has repeatedly rejected efforts to condition citizenship on behavior or loyalty tests. In Vance v. Terrazas (1980), the Court reaffirmed that citizenship cannot be lost without intent to relinquish it. Together with Afroyim and Schneiderman, these cases make clear that citizenship is a constitutional right, not a revocable privilege.
Denaturalization is rare and individualized
The Department of Justice does pursue denaturalization cases, but these are targeted, fact-specific proceedings involving fraud at the time of naturalization. They are not tools for mass enforcement or political retaliation.
As a practical matter, mass removal of U.S. citizens is legally implausible. It would require constitutional amendment and would almost certainly be struck down by the courts.
Why These Statements Still Matter for Immigrants
Even though citizens cannot be deported, rhetoric about removal and expulsion still has real effects on immigrant communities.
First, such statements often signal aggressive enforcement priorities for non-citizens. Lawful permanent residents with criminal records may face heightened scrutiny.
Second, there has been increased focus on naturalization histories. Applicants and naturalized citizens may see more questions about prior disclosures, travel history, or past conduct. While lawful naturalized citizens remain protected, inaccuracies or omissions in past applications can become issues.
Third, this rhetoric creates a chilling effect. Immigrants may avoid contact with government agencies, delay applying for citizenship, or hesitate to report crimes, even when legally entitled to protections.
Understanding the difference between political messaging and legal reality helps immigrants make informed decisions rather than reacting out of fear.
What Immigrants and Naturalized Citizens Should Know
- S. citizens—by birth or naturalization—cannot be deported.
- Citizenship can be revoked only in rare, court-approved cases involving fraud at the time of naturalization.
- Lawful permanent residents remain subject to removal for certain conduct.
- Enforcement priorities can change, even when constitutional limits do not.
Staying informed and proactive is far more effective than reacting to alarming headlines.
Need Legal Guidance?
If you are concerned about your immigration status, past naturalization history, or how future enforcement policies may affect you or your family, legal guidance can help clarify your options.
For a confidential consultation regarding citizenship, naturalization, or immigration risk assessment, contact:
Phone: 201-461-0031
Email: mail@songlawfirm.com
Disclaimer: This column provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice for your specific situation. Immigration policies change frequently; consult an attorney to understand how they apply to your case.
