Gurmeet Singh, a former New York City cab driver convicted of sexually assaulting a passenger more than a decade ago, has been stripped of his U.S. citizenship following an investigation that revealed he obtained his naturalization through fraud, the Department of Justice announced.
The case marks another instance in which federal authorities have pursued denaturalization against individuals with serious criminal convictions who allegedly concealed their backgrounds during the immigration process.
Singh was originally convicted in 2011 for the assault, which occurred while he was working as a yellow cab driver in New York City. The victim, a passenger in his vehicle, reported being attacked during what should have been a routine ride home.
Background
The Department of Justice Civil Division and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched an investigation into Singh's immigration history after his criminal conviction surfaced in background checks. Investigators discovered discrepancies between what Singh disclosed during his naturalization application and his actual criminal record, according to court documents.
Singh became a lawful permanent resident in 2004 before naturalizing as a U.S. citizen several years later. During the naturalization process, applicants must disclose any prior arrests or convictions. The DOJ alleges Singh failed to reveal his 2011 conviction on these applications.
Federal prosecutors argued that Singh's concealment of his criminal history constituted fraud in the naturalization process, which provided grounds for denaturalization under immigration law.
The Investigation
The Department of Justice filed a complaint seeking to revoke Singh's citizenship based on unlawful procurement of naturalization. The case was pursued through the Office of Immigration Litigation.
Investigators from USCIS and DOJ reviewed Singh's naturalization records, criminal history, and application materials. They determined that his 2011 conviction for sexual assault fell within categories of crimes that would have disqualified him from obtaining citizenship had they been disclosed.
The denaturalization order means Singh, who has lived in the United States for over two decades, could face removal proceedings following the loss of his legal status as a citizen.
Key Takeaways
- Gurmeet Singh was convicted of sexually assaulting a passenger while working as a New York City cab driver in 2011
- The DOJ successfully pursued denaturalization after discovering he concealed his criminal history during the naturalization process
- Singh obtained U.S. citizenship despite being required to disclose prior convictions on his applications
- Loss of citizenship means Singh could now be subject to deportation proceedings
What's Next
Singh is expected to be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge, where he will have the opportunity to contest the government's case for his removal from the United States.
Immigration authorities have not yet announced a timeline for these proceedings. The DOJ has indicated it will continue pursuing similar denaturalization cases against individuals who obtained citizenship through fraud or material misrepresentation.