In a move that could have significant political ramifications, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate an investigation into Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. The inquiry centers around allegations that Mamdani may have misrepresented information during his U.S. citizenship application process. This development comes on the heels of Mamdani's surprising victory in the Democratic primary, where he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, signaling a potential shift in the city's political landscape.
The allegations against Mamdani surfaced after a New York Post article published on June 21 brought attention to his past statements of support for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses prior to his naturalization as a U.S. citizen. Mamdani's rap lyrics expressing solidarity with Palestine were also cited by Ogles as having potential national security implications. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Ogles stressed the importance of the naturalization process's reliance on truthful disclosure of any affiliations with groups that could threaten U.S. national security. He asserted that any concealment by Mamdani could be grounds for denaturalization under federal law.
Mamdani, born in Kampala, Uganda, moved to New York City with his family at the age of seven. He currently represents New York’s 36th Assembly District and was elected to the Assembly in 2020. His political platform emphasizes climate change, public education, and housing market reforms aimed at curbing "landlord greed."
Rep. Ogles, a freshman congressman known for his firm stance on immigration and national security, has a history of opposing sanctuary city policies and advocating for stringent immigration enforcement. His recent actions include efforts to investigate state and local officials accused of obstructing federal immigration laws.
Denaturalization, as per federal law, is a measure taken when citizenship is obtained fraudulently or through the concealment of material facts. Legal specialists emphasize that denaturalization is an exceptional process, with a high bar set by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1988 case Kungys v. United States. The government must present "clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence" of willful misrepresentation or concealment for naturalization to be revoked. This standard serves as a safeguard against politically driven or arbitrary citizenship revocations.
Mamdani has not yet publicly responded to the allegations or Ogles' request. His campaign has previously labeled similar accusations as partisan attempts to undermine a candidate advocating for major systemic changes. Nonetheless, these claims are expected to be a contentious issue as the general election approaches.
The DOJ's response to the request from Rep. Ogles could have considerable consequences for Mamdani's political future and the broader discussion on how national security concerns intersect with immigration and political eligibility. As the race for New York City mayor intensifies, the potential for a DOJ investigation looms over Mamdani's campaign, raising questions about the integrity of the naturalization process and the impact of political beliefs on citizenship.
