Zohran Mamdani Faces Citizenship Probe: GOP Demands Action
Two House Republicans have set their sights on New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, demanding a federal investigation that could strip him of his US citizenship. The move, led by Reps. Andy Ogles of Tennessee and Randy Fine of Florida, accuses Mamdani of allegedly omitting critical information on his 2018 naturalization application, raising questions about the integrity of his path to citizenship.
A Political Target in the Spotlight
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and Muslim lawmaker, born in Uganda, has surged ahead in the New York City mayoral race, leading rivals including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in recent polls. His rise has drawn sharp criticism from GOP hard-liners who view his background and political views as a threat to "American values."
Rep. Randy Fine recently called for a sweeping review of naturalizations over the past 30 years, starting with Mamdani. Fine told the New York Post that the Justice Department should investigate "how these folks became citizens," and denaturalize and deport anyone found to have committed fraud or violated rules. He framed the issue as a matter of national security, warning of an "enemy within" intent on destroying the country (https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/house-republicans-push-to-denaturalize-mamdani-over-citizenship-form/).
Fine's rhetoric has been sharply criticized as Islamophobic and racist by Democratic officials and Muslim civil rights groups. A coalition of Muslim organizations in New York condemned Fine's attacks as "racist and Islamophobic," highlighting the anti-Black and xenophobic undertones of his language (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/26/zohran-mamdani-republicans-push-investigate-citizenship).
The Allegations: Communist Ties and Concealed Affiliations
Rep. Andy Ogles has been particularly vocal, urging the Justice Department to probe Mamdani for allegedly failing to disclose his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America during his naturalization process. Ogles labeled the Democratic Socialists of America a communist organization that would have disqualified Mamdani from citizenship if properly disclosed. He also cited Mamdani's past statements calling to free the "Holy Land Five," a group convicted of funneling money to Hamas, as grounds for investigation (https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/house-republicans-push-to-denaturalize-mamdani-over-citizenship-form/).
Ogles has publicly called Mamdani an "antisemitic, socialist, communist" and demanded his deportation. He accused Mamdani of "willful misrepresentation" in obtaining citizenship, referencing lyrics from Mamdani's old rap songs as alleged evidence of ties to terrorism-supporting groups (https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-us-citizenship-should-be-investigated-says-randy-fine-republican-10924576).
Citizenship Law and the Denaturalization Threat
US immigration law prohibits naturalization for individuals who have been members of or affiliated with communist or totalitarian parties. The naturalization form explicitly asks applicants if they have ever been associated "in any way" with such parties anywhere in the world. The Justice Department can revoke citizenship if it finds that an individual lied or concealed material facts during the naturalization process.
Denaturalization is rare and legally complex, requiring clear evidence of fraud or misrepresentation. The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed any formal investigation into Mamdani's citizenship status. A spokesperson noted that due to a recent government shutdown, congressional correspondence is delayed, and the department does not comment on ongoing or potential investigations (https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/house-republicans-push-to-denaturalize-mamdani-over-citizenship-form/).
The Broader Context: Politics, Identity, and Fear
This push to revoke Mamdani's citizenship fits into a broader pattern of Republican efforts to question the loyalty and legitimacy of immigrant politicians, especially those with Muslim backgrounds or left-wing views. Mamdani's identity as a Muslim socialist has made him a lightning rod for GOP figures who frame their attacks as defending "American values" against perceived internal threats.
Fine has also targeted Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born Muslim congresswoman, calling for her naturalization to be reviewed. Both Fine and Ogles are aligned with former President Donald Trump's hardline immigration stance, which often included questioning the patriotism of Muslim and immigrant politicians (https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/house-republicans-push-to-denaturalize-mamdani-over-citizenship-form/).
Mamdani himself has condemned the denaturalization efforts as rooted in Islamophobia and cruelty. In an interview with MSNBC, he criticized the Republican focus on his citizenship amid widespread economic fears affecting Americans. He described the GOP's agenda as one of "cruelty and punishment" rather than addressing pressing issues like healthcare and housing (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/26/zohran-mamdani-republicans-push-investigate-citizenship).
The Political Fallout
The controversy has sparked heated exchanges. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani's main mayoral opponent, suggested in a radio interview that Mamdani would cheer a terrorist attack like 9/11, a claim that drew criticism and was later downplayed by Cuomo's campaign (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/26/zohran-mamdani-republicans-push-investigate-citizenship).
New York City Council Member Vickie Paladino, a Republican, also called for Mamdani's deportation, questioning the wisdom of electing someone who has not been a citizen for long and labeling him a "radical leftist" (https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-us-citizenship-should-be-investigated-says-randy-fine-republican-10924576).
The New York Young Republican Club urged revoking Mamdani's citizenship under the Communist Control Act, describing him as a "radical" threat to the city (https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-us-citizenship-should-be-investigated-says-randy-fine-republican-10924576).
What's Next for Mamdani?
Despite the attacks, Mamdani continues his campaign for mayor, maintaining a lead in the polls ahead of the general election scheduled for November. There is no public indication that the Justice Department has launched a formal investigation into his citizenship.
The denaturalization push raises questions about how citizenship laws can be used as political weapons in a polarized environment. It also spotlights the challenges immigrant politicians face when their identities and affiliations become fodder for partisan battles.
For now, Mamdani remains a figure at the center of a high-stakes political drama, with his citizenship status hanging in the balance amid fierce partisan conflict.
References: House Republicans push to 'denaturalize' Mamdani over citizenship form | 'Islamophobia is endemic,' Mamdani says of Republicans' push to deport him | Zohran Mamdani | The Guardian | Zohran Mamdani's US Citizenship Should Be Investigated: GOP Rep - Newsweek
