Lifetime Ban Possible for Fake Claims of U.S. Citizenship

Immigrants who falsely claim to be U.S. citizens may face a lifetime ban, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a stern warning.

USCIS stated that it is “reinstating strict screening and verification procedures” to protect the immigration system from fraud and abuse.

The agency emphasized that immigrants who use false information or fraudulent tactics to unlawfully obtain immigration benefits will face severe consequences.

In its revised policy guidelines, USCIS placed particular focus on the grounds of inadmissibility related to “false claims to U.S. citizenship.” Congress introduced this rule to safeguard the integrity of citizenship. Since September 30, 1996, any immigrant who falsely claimed citizenship in order to obtain immigration or legal benefits has been deemed permanently ineligible to remain in the United States—generally with no possibility of waiver.

USCIS clarified that Congress allowed only limited exceptions—for individuals who had been permanent residents in the U.S. before the age of 16.

According to the agency, the new policy outlines “the steps an officer must follow in determining inadmissibility” and specifies what factors will be considered in false claim cases. These rules will now apply to all pending and future applications.

USCIS also stated that the purpose of this step is to raise awareness. “We are actively working to increase awareness among immigrants and the general public about the consequences of immigration fraud,” the agency said.

Additionally, the agency referred to a 2019 decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in the Zhang case, which held that immigration consequences could follow from a false citizenship claim—even if the claim was not made knowingly. In 2020, USCIS incorporated that ruling into its policy, clarifying that intent does not need to be proven for an immigrant to be deemed ineligible on the basis of a false claim to U.S. citizenship.