H.R. 7156 - SCAM Act

Summary

The SCAM (Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation) Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 20, 2026. The main purpose of the bill is to expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings against individuals who have:

1. Defrauded a governmental program
2. Joined a terrorist organization
3. Committed certain criminal offenses

The key findings and provisions of the bill include:

Findings:
- Naturalization is an essential American tradition that requires demonstrating good moral character, attachment to the Constitution, and disposition to the good order and happiness of the U.S.
- Individuals who have committed fraud against government programs, affiliated with terrorist organizations, or been convicted of aggravated felonies have violated these naturalization requirements.
- The Supreme Court has ruled that citizenship obtained through false statements or fraud can be revoked.

Purpose:
- To expand and clarify the grounds for the U.S. government to pursue civil denaturalization proceedings against individuals who lack the proper moral character and attachment to the Constitution at the time of naturalization.

Key Provisions:
- Allows the Attorney General, in addition to the existing procedures, to initiate denaturalization proceedings.
- Adds new grounds for denaturalization, including:
- Conviction for defrauding a government program
- Affiliation with a foreign terrorist organization within 10 years of naturalization
- Conviction for an aggravated felony after naturalization

The bill aims to revoke the citizenship of naturalized individuals who have abused their status for personal gain or put U.S. security at risk, rather than fulfilling the duties and obligations of American citizenship.

Impact

The SCAM Act would give the U.S. government broader authority to strip citizenship from naturalized individuals who have engaged in fraud, terrorism, or serious criminal activities. This could lead to a significant increase in denaturalization cases and potentially affect thousands of naturalized citizens. Supporters argue it is necessary to protect the integrity of the naturalization process, while critics may be concerned about due process and the expansion of denaturalization powers.