The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans accused of concealing criminal activity, providing false information, or committing fraud during the immigration and naturalization process.

Among those facing denaturalization is Indian-origin businessman Neeraj Sharma, a former owner and CEO of New Jersey-based staffing company Magnavision LLC. According to federal authorities, Sharma filed multiple fraudulent H-1B visa petitions containing false claims that foreign workers would be employed by a major global financial institution. Prosecutors allege the applications included forged signatures of company executives.

The Justice Department said Sharma applied for U.S. citizenship in 2017 and declared under oath that he had not committed undisclosed crimes, provided false information to government officials, or lied to obtain immigration benefits. He was granted citizenship in December 2017. However, he was later convicted of fraud and visa misuse related to activities that occurred between 2015 and 2017.

Federal officials argue that Sharma failed to disclose unlawful conduct during the naturalization process and are seeking to revoke his citizenship on grounds of concealment and misrepresentation.

The 17 cases involve individuals originally from several countries, including India, China, Haiti, Cuba, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, Somalia, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Allegations range from immigration fraud and healthcare fraud to money laundering, securities violations, and sexual crimes involving minors.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the administration is committed to enforcing immigration laws and holding accountable individuals who obtained citizenship unlawfully. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate added that the department will continue pursuing cases involving fraud in the naturalization process.

The Justice Department emphasized that the lawsuits are civil actions and that the allegations remain unproven until decided by the courts. Under U.S. law, citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained illegally or through the concealment of material facts or willful misrepresentation.