SEATTLE, Washington (Diya TV) — A federal court has stripped an Indian-origin man of his U.S. citizenship after finding that he obtained it through fraud and misrepresentation, according to the Department of Justice. Gurdev Singh Sohal, who also used the names Dev Singh and Boota Singh Sundu, lost his naturalized citizenship following an April 13 ruling. The court determined that Sohal hid his prior identity and immigration history to secure citizenship unlawfully.
The Justice Department said Sohal became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2005. However, authorities later discovered that he had previously been ordered deported in 1994 under the name Dev Singh. Instead of leaving the country, Sohal stayed in the United States and created a new identity. He changed his name, date of birth, and entry details. He then used this false identity to apply for and obtain citizenship.
Officials said Sohal never disclosed his earlier deportation order or immigration history in any applications or legal proceedings. The court ruled that this concealment disqualified him from meeting the “good moral character” requirement under U.S. immigration law.
The case came to light through the federal government’s Historic Fingerprint Enrollment project. This initiative involves cooperation between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.
In February 2020, forensic experts matched fingerprints submitted under Sohal’s different identities. The match confirmed that all identities belonged to the same person. Authorities said the breakthrough became possible after officials digitized older, paper-based fingerprint records. This allowed investigators to reexamine legacy immigration files with modern tools.
The Justice Department filed a civil denaturalization complaint against Sohal as part of a broader effort to combat immigration fraud. A federal judge ruled in favor of the government and ordered the revocation of his citizenship. Officials emphasized that denaturalization cases focus on individuals who obtained citizenship through illegal means, including fraud or misrepresentation. Sohal’s case marked the ninth denaturalization action filed by the department since January 20, 2025.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said the case highlights the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of U.S. citizenship.
“This case shows this administration’s strength and commitment to ensuring the sanctity of U.S. citizenship,” Shumate said in a statement. He added that cooperation between federal agencies plays a key role in identifying and prosecuting immigration fraud.
The case reflects a wider federal effort to identify individuals who may have used false identities to gain legal status in the United States. Authorities continue to review older immigration records using advanced technology. Officials say these efforts help uncover cases that may have gone undetected for years. Naturalization requires applicants to meet strict eligibility criteria, including continuous residence, lawful entry, and proof of good moral character. Failure to disclose critical information can lead to serious legal consequences, including loss of citizenship.
With his citizenship revoked, Sohal may now face immigration enforcement actions, including possible deportation. Authorities have not released further details about the next steps in his case. Officials said the ruling sends a clear message that the U.S. government will take action against individuals who attempt to bypass immigration laws.
