For generations, naturalization ceremonies have ended in tears of joy, families waving flags, and new Americans believing they finally belonged. Trump’s threat to “denaturalize, absolutely” rips at that promise, turning citizenship from a secure foundation into a fragile, conditional privilege. When a president talks about “examining the criteria” to take citizenship away—especially while singling out Somalis—he isn’t just attacking individuals; he is sending a message to every immigrant who ever trusted the system.

Civil rights advocates warn that this kind of rhetoric doesn’t stay rhetorical for long. It chills civic participation, scares lawful residents away from applying for citizenship, and normalizes the idea that some Americans are always probationary. In a country built by immigrants, the real question becomes: if citizenship can be revoked for them today, who will feel safe tomorrow?