Why Some U.S. Citizens Are Worried
March 5, 2025
In today’s climate, fear and uncertainty around immigration enforcement have many people on edge. Even U.S. citizens are questioning whether they should be worried about encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Is this fear justified? Let’s dive into this important discussion.
LaToya McBean Pompy, who immigrated to the United States herself, was inspired to help families unite by founding McBean Law, a New York immigration law firm. If you or loved one need assistance with denaturalization issues or visa applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. You can contact us here or call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation with LaToya and her experienced immigration attorney team, who are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
The Truth About ICE and U.S. Citizens
Recently, Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy spoke with an elderly woman who has been a U.S. citizen for 30 years. Despite having no criminal record or immigration issues, she carries around a copy of her passport every day out of fear that ICE might stop her. This heartbreaking reality shows just how much anxiety surrounds immigration enforcement, even among those who have full legal status in this country.
FACT: U.S. Citizens Do Not Need to Fear ICE
ICE’s enforcement priorities do not include U.S. citizens. Their primary focus is on:
- Undocumented individuals
- Those with criminal records
- Individuals with final orders of removal
- Recent arrivals under specific parole programs
Mass deportations are logistically challenging, and ICE does not have the resources to target U.S. citizens.
You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s YouTube video, “Are U.S. Citizens at Risk of Being Stopped or Detained by ICE?”, where she provides valuable insights on this important topic. In the video, she breaks down common fears, clarifies misconceptions, and explains why U.S. citizens generally do not need to worry about being targeted by ICE.
Who ICE Targets and Your Rights as a U.S. Citizen
ICE is tasked with enforcing immigration laws, but that does not mean they have unlimited power or resources. Their focus remains on individuals who are undocumented or who have violated immigration laws, not lawful U.S. citizens. However, concerns about racial profiling have been raised, as there have been isolated incidents where citizens were mistakenly detained or questioned by ICE.
In very rare cases, U.S. citizens have been wrongfully detained during workplace raids or street encounters. If this happens, it is crucial to assert your rights. The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures, and if you are a U.S. citizen, you should clearly state your status and demand legal representation if needed.
Should You Carry Proof of Citizenship?
Legally, U.S. citizens are not required to carry proof of their citizenship at all times, but some individuals prefer to have documents like:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
If carrying proof gives you peace of mind, that is a personal choice, but it is not a legal requirement.
For those who are particularly concerned, a passport card is a compact and official way to prove U.S. citizenship without carrying a full passport. While this is not necessary, it can be a simple way to alleviate anxiety in the unlikely event of a misunderstanding with law enforcement.
Should You Be Concerned About Denaturalization?
Another issue that has sparked fear among naturalized citizens is the concept of denaturalization. While there has been talk about ramping up denaturalization efforts, the reality is that this process is extremely rare. Denaturalization cases often involve fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalization process. It is a lengthy legal process that requires substantial evidence, and the government only pursues cases where there is clear justification.
Key Point: If You Obtained Your Citizenship Lawfully, There’s No Need to Worry About Denaturalization.
Most naturalized citizens will never face this issue, and the government does not have the resources to strip people of their citizenship arbitrarily.
You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s YouTube video, “Denaturalization: Who is at RISK? (PROCESS EXPLAINED)”, where she dives deep into the process of denaturalization and who may be at risk. In this video, she explains what denaturalization is, the legal grounds under which the U.S. government may revoke someone’s citizenship, and the steps involved in this complex legal process.
