What does Preamble of SCAM Act do?

This bill aims to expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings. The proceedings would apply to individuals who have defrauded a governmental program. It also applies to individuals who have joined a terrorist organization. Furthermore, it covers individuals who have committed certain criminal offenses.

What does SHORT TITLES. of SCAM Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation Act

What does FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. of SCAM Act do?

This section outlines findings related to naturalized United States citizens and their obligations. It asserts that some naturalized citizens have betrayed their duties and obligations, prioritizing personal gain over responsible citizenship. The text emphasizes naturalization as a long-standing American tradition, requiring applicants to demonstrate good moral character, adherence to the Constitution, and well-disposed intentions. It states that convictions for fraud against governmental programs, affiliation with terrorist organizations, or aggravated felonies demonstrate a lack of the required qualifications for citizenship. The section cites Supreme Court cases affirming that citizenship privileges are not absolute and can be challenged if obtained through false pretenses. Congress expresses the belief that the Supreme Court in Costello v. INS misconstrued the effects of denaturalization, referencing a concurring opinion in Castillo v. Bondi.

What does PURPOSE. of SCAM Act do?

This Act aims to expand grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings Proceedings target individuals who defrauded governmental programs or affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations Certain criminal offenses also trigger denaturalization proceedings

What does EXPANDING AND CLARIFYING DENATURALIZATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO of SCAM Act do?

This section amends Section 340 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1451) to establish grounds for denaturalization. It creates a process where association with a foreign terrorist organization, committing fraud against the government exceeding $10,000, or committing an aggravated felony or espionage offense within a 10-year period after naturalization can be considered prima facie evidence that the individual was not of good moral character, not attached to the Constitution, or not well-disposed to the United States. If denaturalization occurs, the admission order and certificate of naturalization will be revoked and set aside, effective as of the original date of issuance. Individuals whose naturalization is revoked are subject to removal through expedited proceedings. A fallback provision states that if the 10-year period is deemed unconstitutional, it will be considered a 5-year period, referencing the Luria v. United States case.

What does SEVERABILITY. of SCAM Act do?

This section addresses the severability of the Act's provisions. If a provision is held unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain unaffected.

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SCAM Act

Last updated: 1/20/2026 · Introduced: 1/20/2026

Author: Tom Emmer (R-MN)

TL;DR (AI)

The SCAM Act expands the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings to include individuals who defraud government programs, join foreign terrorist organizations, or commit certain criminal offenses.
Association with a foreign terrorist organization, fraud against the government exceeding $10,000, or committing an aggravated felony or espionage offense within 10 years of naturalization can be considered evidence that an individual lacked good moral character.
If denaturalization occurs, an individual's admission order and certificate of naturalization will be revoked, and they will be subject to expedited removal proceedings.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3674(Introduced)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short titles., and 4 more.

6 sections

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