Senator Schmitt Introduces Bill to Expand Denaturalization Process for Individuals Who Commit Fraud, Serious Felonies, or Join Terrorist Organizations

Legislation Endorsed by White House, Comes After Rampant Fraud Exposed in Minnesota

WASHINGTON - Amid reports of rampant fraud perpetrated by Somali crime rings in Minnesota, including convictions of naturalized citizens, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act to restore integrity to the naturalization process by expanding and clarifying grounds to revoke the citizenship of certain individuals who demonstrate through their involvement with fraud, other serious felonies, or terrorist organizations that they never met the statutory requirements for citizenship.

"American citizenship is a privilege, and anyone hoping to be a part of our great nation must demonstrate a sincere attachment to our Constitution, upstanding moral character, and a commitment to the happiness and good order of the United States. The rampant fraud uncovered in Minnesota must be a wakeup call. People who commit felony fraud, serious felonies, or join terrorist organizations like drug cartels shortly after taking their citizenship oaths fail to uphold the basic standards of citizenship. They must be denaturalized because they have proven they never met the requirements for the great honor of American citizenship in the first place. We must protect and restore the institution of American citizenship. No more talk. It's time for action," said Senator Schmitt.

"The Somali fraud scandal is one of the greatest financial scandals in American history. All Somali refugees, or any other immigrants, who have committed fraud against the United States must be immediately denaturalized and deported. We applaud Senator Schmitt for his leadership," said Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor.

The SCAM Act expands grounds to begin the denaturalization process to include:

• Committing an act as part of a substantial fraud against a federal, state, or local government welfare or assistance program.
• Affiliating with a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• Committing an act as part of an aggravated felony or espionage.

Statements of Support:

"By expanding the federal government's authority to pursue denaturalization cases, Senator Eric Schmitt's "Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation Act" (SCAM Act) would restore integrity to a badly abused immigration system by ensuringthat fraud, deception, or violence have no place in the naturalization process. Becoming an American is and honor and obligation to be earned, not a status to be exploited," said Cooper Smith, Director of Homeland Security and Immigration at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI).

"The Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation Act would take bold steps to safeguard the American public from criminal exploitation, defend against national security threats, and ensure that the virtues of U.S. citizenship continue to be protected and preserved. Engaging in serious criminal conduct, fraud, or terrorist activity undermines those principles and warrants immediate, decisive action. FAIR commends Senator Schmitt for introducing this crucial legislation and urges its swift passage in the Senate," said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

"Common sense Americans know that for decades their own government has inadequately screened foreign aliens for assimilation, good moral character, and indications that a would-be citizen is well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States. This is the story of Minneapolis right now and rings true for countless other communities across our great country who have felt the pain of unvetted, and unvettable, immigration that is against our national interest. This is a great priority for both the Congress and the Administration. Senator Schmitt is the right legislative advocate for the American People who have been longing for a return to an immigration system that serves American interests. The Oversight Project is proud to endorse his efforts and will continue pushing to raise the bar for what our nation should expect from those who wish to become Americans," said Mike Howell, President of the Oversight Project.

Read the full bill text HERE and a two-pager on the bill HERE.

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