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Citizenship – The United States government has launched a civil lawsuit seeking to cancel the citizenship of an Indian-born man after determining that he allegedly hid serious criminal conduct during the naturalization process, according to an announcement from the United States Department of Justice.

Federal lawsuit filed in New York court

Court records show the complaint was submitted in the Eastern District of New York and centers on Gurmeet Singh, who became a naturalized US citizen in 2011. Federal prosecutors allege that Singh deliberately failed to disclose violent criminal acts on his citizenship application, actions that would have made him ineligible for naturalization.

The Justice Department contends that Singh provided false or misleading information when answering questions related to past criminal behavior, a requirement that applicants must complete truthfully under US immigration law.

Allegations tied to work as a taxi driver

According to details outlined in the civil complaint, Singh was working as a taxicab driver at the time of the alleged offense. Prosecutors say he kidnapped and sexually assaulted a female passenger after she fell asleep in the back seat of his vehicle.

The filing describes how the passenger allegedly awoke on a secluded street to find Singh restraining her with a knife pressed against her throat. Authorities state that he threatened her life, restrained and blindfolded her, and then committed sexual assault. These events, prosecutors argue, were known to Singh but intentionally concealed during his naturalization interview and paperwork.

Citizenship granted despite undisclosed conduct

Despite the alleged incident, Singh successfully completed the naturalization process and was granted US citizenship on October 19, 2011. Federal officials say the approval was based on incomplete and inaccurate information provided by the applicant.

The Justice Department maintains that full disclosure of the alleged crime would have prevented citizenship from being granted under existing legal standards.

Later conviction leads to prison sentence

After becoming a US citizen, Singh was later prosecuted in New York State Court. He was convicted of first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping, with the latter classified as a sexually motivated felony.

The court sentenced Singh to 20 years in prison, a factor federal officials say further supports the argument that his citizenship was unlawfully obtained.

Justice Department outlines position on denaturalization

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the department remains committed to protecting the integrity of the naturalization system.

In a statement, Bondi emphasized that citizenship is a privilege that must be earned through honesty and lawful conduct. She added that individuals who conceal violent crimes during the application process undermine the legal foundations of the immigration system.

Officials cite legal authority to revoke citizenship

Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, who oversees the Civil Division, said Singh should never have been approved for citizenship. He noted that federal law allows the government to take action when material facts are intentionally hidden during immigration proceedings.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the government may revoke naturalized citizenship if it was obtained unlawfully or through willful misrepresentation. If the court rules in favor of the Justice Department, Singh’s certificate of naturalization would be canceled.

The civil case is now pending, and a federal judge will determine whether the legal standards for denaturalization have been met.