House Republicans Move to Strip NYC Mayoral Front-Runner Zohran Mamdani of U.S. Citizenship
Florida Rep. Randy Fine and Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles call for Justice Department probe into Mamdani’s 2018 naturalisation amid mayoral run in New York City
Two United States House Representatives have formally requested that the Department of Justice investigate the citizenship status of Zohran Mamdani, the leading Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City.
Representative Randy Fine (R-FL) urged a review of naturalisation grants over the past thirty years, beginning with Mamdani.
Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) cited what he alleges were omissions in Mamdani’s 2018 naturalisation paperwork—specifically, his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America and lyrics in past rap recordings—as grounds for initiating denaturalisation proceedings.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018 after immigrating as a child, has strongly rejected the accusations, stating he is a proud democratic socialist and denying any affiliation with communism.
He described the push as part of a broader pattern of Islamophobic and racialised attacks against him.
The Republican lawmakers’ campaign also draws commentary from President Donald Trump, who last summer asserted that Mamdani “might be here illegally” and suggested federal scrutiny of his candidacy.
While denaturalisation remains rare and requires proof of material fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalisation process, the moves reflect an intensified willingness among some Republicans to challenge citizenship status of prominent political figures.
Civil-rights organisations and Democratic members of Congress have denounced the effort, calling it a dangerous precedent rooted in bigotry that threatens the democratic process.
Mamdani remains the frontrunner in the November mayoral election, and his campaign continues to emphasise his identity as an American citizen and his record in public service.
Representative Randy Fine (R-FL) urged a review of naturalisation grants over the past thirty years, beginning with Mamdani.
Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) cited what he alleges were omissions in Mamdani’s 2018 naturalisation paperwork—specifically, his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America and lyrics in past rap recordings—as grounds for initiating denaturalisation proceedings.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018 after immigrating as a child, has strongly rejected the accusations, stating he is a proud democratic socialist and denying any affiliation with communism.
He described the push as part of a broader pattern of Islamophobic and racialised attacks against him.
The Republican lawmakers’ campaign also draws commentary from President Donald Trump, who last summer asserted that Mamdani “might be here illegally” and suggested federal scrutiny of his candidacy.
While denaturalisation remains rare and requires proof of material fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalisation process, the moves reflect an intensified willingness among some Republicans to challenge citizenship status of prominent political figures.
Civil-rights organisations and Democratic members of Congress have denounced the effort, calling it a dangerous precedent rooted in bigotry that threatens the democratic process.
Mamdani remains the frontrunner in the November mayoral election, and his campaign continues to emphasise his identity as an American citizen and his record in public service.
