Confronting the possibility of denaturalization is one of the most consequential immigration challenges a United States citizen can face. When the government pursues the revocation of your citizenship, your future in the United States is put at risk.
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is a trusted immigration law firm for New York City residents facing denaturalization. Although we are headquartered in Chicago, we represent clients nationwide, with over three decades of experience in strategic, skillful denaturalization cases. We provide our clients with clear communication at every step, making a strong commitment to help protect their citizenship.
Why Choose Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. as Your Denaturalization Defense Lawyer in New York City?
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has more than thirty years of experience in immigration law, including in complex denaturalization defense cases. We consult with our New York City clients through secure video conferencing and phone calls, and we will travel to you when necessary.
We are recognized for our skillful and fierce advocacy on behalf of our clients, and are honored by the accolades we have received.
- Our founder, Scott D. Pollock, has been included on the Illinois Super Lawyers list for excellence in immigration law since 2007.
- The Martindale-Hubbell association reports that our peers rated us as AV (very high to preeminent), reflecting our strong reputation and dedication to excellence in immigration law.
- Our firm is rated a 10, or superb, by Avvo for immigration law.
- We are active in professional organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Contact us with any questions regarding our extensive litigation experience, our personalized legal services, or our knowledge of the New York City immigration landscape.
Steps to Take During Denaturalization Defense in New York City
USCIS or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigations are usually the cause of allegations that may lead to denaturalization. If fraud is detected, they will refer the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ). If the DOJ finds evidence to proceed, it files a complaint with the U.S. District Court to revoke citizenship.
Once you are alerted to the accusations, there are some typical steps to follow:
Contact a qualified immigration attorney immediately. Denaturalization moves through complicated federal channels, requiring legal strategy from an experienced immigration lawyer.
Do not ignore government notices. Act quickly to avoid missing deadlines.
Gather all relevant documents. Documents include: naturalization certificates, alien files, prior applications, and any communications with USCIS or the courts.
Prepare for hearings. Your attorney will help you understand federal court procedures in denaturalization cases.
Immigration Challenges Unique to New York City
New York City has one of the world’s highest concentrations of immigrants. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest calculations, in 2024, over 36% of the city’s residents were born abroad, with the largest percentages of immigrants hailing from the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, and Jamaica.
New York City’s diverse immigrant community is central to what makes it world-renowned, but it also means its immigration system is heavily overburdened. Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) analyzed data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and found that, as of early 2026, New York City Immigration Courts have over 314,000 backlogged immigration cases. This large number of cases reflects the region’s exceptional volume of immigration. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) New York City Field Office reports average processing times of several months to over a year, depending on case type. USCIS provides information on processing times for specific petitions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also increased its detention and enforcement activities in the city, which has caused more fear and stress among immigrant populations. According to a New York Times report, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) plan to significantly increase denaturalization efforts in 2026. The target is to bring forward 100–200 denaturalization cases per month, marking a huge increase from past years. (Between 2017 and 2025, there were a total of 120 denaturalization cases.) New York City’s large immigrant population means it will likely be a focus of the crackdown—and if quotas are put in place, citizens could be targeted even for minor offenses, such as honest mistakes on their immigration forms.
How Denaturalization Representation Works in New York City
Denaturalization proceedings take place in federal courts, not immigration courts. In civil denaturalization cases, you are not guaranteed a court-appointed attorney, so you must contact an immigration lawyer on your own. In civil proceedings, the DOJ must provide convincing and unequivocal evidence.
In criminal cases, the government bears a high burden of proof, but cases require detailed analysis and a robust defense. Our attorneys will develop personalized strategies to challenge allegations and effectively protect your citizenship rights.
Denaturalization defense in New York City includes coordinating with the local USCIS field office and the federal court system. Your attorney will typically:
- Review your naturalization file and any allegations raised by the government.
- Prepare a comprehensive and legally sound defense, addressing charges such as alleged misrepresentation, procedural errors, or immigration history.
- Represent you in court during federal litigation.
- Ensure all filings are completed accurately and on time.
- Communicate with local offices and courts to track your case.
Although our firm is located in Chicago, we help clients nationwide. We will consult with you through secure video and phone calls, and travel to you whenever necessary; you won’t need to come to Chicago.
New York City Immigration Court Locations and Jurisdictions
If you are a resident of New York, Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, or Sullivan counties and are facing denaturalization in New York City, your case will be litigated at one of the following federal courts of the United States District Court – Southern District of New York:
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
United States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 805-0136
Hon. Charles L. Brieant Jr.
Federal Building and Courthouse
300 Quarropas Street
While Plains, NY 10601
(914) 390-4100
Thurgood Marshall
United States Courthouse
40 Foley Square
New York, NY 10007
(212) 857-8500
The United States District Court – Eastern District of New York comprises Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, and Suffolk counties, and, concurrently with the Southern District, the waters within the counties of Bronx and New York.
Theodore Roosevelt
United States Courthouse
225 Cadman Plaza East
2nd Floor, South Wing, Rm. 219
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 613-2570
Alphonse M. D’Amato U.S. Courthouse
200 Federal Plaza
2nd Floor, West Wing, Rm. 200
Central Islip, New York 11722
(631) 712-6400
Our attorneys will assist with any communication and coordination with the local USCIS field office.
USCIS District Office
26 Federal Plaza, #0127
New York, NY 10278
(800) 375-5283
Common Denaturalization Defense Cases in New York City
There are several accusations commonly made by the DOJ and USCIS in New York City denaturalization cases that fall under the categories of willful misrepresentation and illegal procurement. We will help you understand if your background or past actions may put you at risk of denaturalization.
In 2025, the DOJ expanded its priorities to include post-naturalization criminal activity to target those who engaged in gang or cartel activity after becoming citizens. Our firm is ready to address any allegations while providing clients with clear communications about options and a strong, evidence-based defense.
Willful Misrepresentation
Allegations of concealment through lying on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, or during interviews about:
- Criminal history
- Name and identity
- Membership in terrorist groups
- False asylum claims
Illegal Procurement
Illegal procurement can include claims of things such as:
- Ineligibility, such as not meeting residency requirements
- Serious criminal activity, including war crimes or association with drug cartels
- Posing a national security risk, such as participating in espionage
Our Experience with Denaturalization Defense
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has a long history of strategic litigation on behalf of clients facing denaturalization. We help individuals and families across the country safeguard their citizenship through careful legal analysis, responsive and transparent communication, and fierce advocacy.
Our team approaches every case with a strong commitment to preserving our clients’ rights and naturalization statuses. We have worked with clients from all over the world, offering cultural sensitivity, personalized recommendations, and compassionate service. We are honored to fight for our clients’ rights and are proud of our reputation.
Local Resources for Immigrants in New York City
New York City residents facing denaturalization may find help from the following organizations:
- New York Immigration Coalition: Advocacy and assistance for New York City immigrants
- Catholic Charities Community Services of New York: Immigrant and refugee support services
- Make the Road New York: Resources for those in need of English language skills, citizenship preparation, health services, and more
- Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA): Assists immigrants in understanding their rights and helps connect them to resources, including language services and healthcare
Although these organizations offer valuable support, an experienced immigration attorney is crucial in denaturalization cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denaturalization Defense in New York City
Timelines vary, but cases can last months to years depending on federal court schedules and case complexity.
Yes. Immigration Appeals are typically filed with the federal appellate courts.
No. Citizenship acquired at birth is protected under the 14th Amendment and cannot be revoked by the government.
You need an attorney experienced in federal immigration litigation. Physical location is less important than expertise.
Speak to an Experienced Denaturalization Defense Lawyer for New York City Residents
Facing denaturalization is one of the most stressful situations a U.S. citizen can encounter, with consequences that may include the loss of citizenship, removal proceedings, and separation from family and community. Denaturalization cases are defended in federal court, often involve complex investigations by USCIS and the Department of Justice, requiring a comprehensive defense strategy.
The team at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. understands the high stakes involved and approaches every case with careful preparation, strategic advocacy, and personal attention. We bring decades of immigration law experience to denaturalization defense, representing clients nationwide—including those in New York City.
Call our office or contact us online to schedule a secure video or phone consultation today so we can start advocating for your right to remain in the United States. Early legal intervention can make a meaningful difference.