Washington, D.C. —

Reports exploded across fringe websites and hyperpartisan outlets this week claiming that Rep. Ilhan Omar was under investigation for “citizenship revocation” and potential “deportation,” allegedly tied to long‑running conspiracy theories about her immigration history.

But according to legal experts, current federal officials, and civil rights attorneys interviewed throughout the day, there is no evidence of any such proceeding — and the supposed “sources” behind the claim appear to be recycling a decade-old, repeatedly debunked narrative.

Still, the story spread quickly, igniting partisan fury, fueling talk‑radio segments, and prompting constitutional scholars to warn of the dangers of politicized denaturalization rumors — especially when they target sitting members of Congress.

The Origin of the Rumor

The latest wave of claims centered on a sensational allegation: that the State Department and Department of Homeland Security were preparing to review Omar’s naturalization and possibly revoke her U.S. citizenship.

Within hours, political commentators and influencers had seized on the rumor, framing it as a historic turning point.

There was, however, one problem:

No evidence supported any of it.

The rumor appeared to stem from anonymous speculation posted on ideologically driven websites that have, for years, promoted debunked claims about Omar’s immigration history. The central conspiracy — that Omar married a relative as part of an immigration scheme — has been repeatedly discredited by journalists, fact‑checkers, immigration lawyers, and courts.

Yet the allegation continues to circulate in certain political circles, resurfacing every election cycle.

Experts: “This Cannot Happen. Full Stop.”

Despite the dramatic tone of online posts, immigration and constitutional scholars say the premise of citizenship revocation for a sitting member of Congress is legally implausible.

“These rumors reflect a misunderstanding — or misrepresentation — of how American naturalization law works,” said Professor Alina Reyes, an expert in constitutional law at George Washington University.

Under U.S. law:

A naturalized citizen can lose citizenship only if the government proves, in federal court, that the person intentionally concealed a material fact during the naturalization process.

The process requires extensive evidence, due process, and judicial review.

It is not initiated through political pressure or by an administration alone.

Congress members enjoy certain constitutional protections regarding citizenship status while in office.

“There is no modern precedent for stripping a sitting federal lawmaker of citizenship,” Reyes added. “And nothing about the Omar rumors fits within legal reality.”

Why the Rumor Spread Anyway

Even without credibility, the claims found an audience — because they tapped into three combustible topics in American politics:

1. Immigration and Identity

Omar, a Somali‑born refugee and one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, has long been a target of xenophobic narratives.

2. Polarization and Social Media Speed

Falsehoods about public figures spread far more quickly than corrections — especially when they reinforce existing political beliefs.

3. The Legacy of “Send Her Back”

The resurfacing of this rhetoric reflects broader divisions around national identity and belonging.

While the rumor lacked factual foundation, it had political utility.

Omar’s Team Responds With Silence — for Now

As of this writing, Omar’s office has not released a formal statement addressing the rumor. But individuals close to her view the claims as part of a long-running smear campaign.

Her previous statements have called similar allegations “false, hateful, and rooted in racism and Islamophobia.”

Sources familiar with the congresswoman’s thinking say she prefers not to elevate unfounded accusations by responding directly — a strategy other high‑profile lawmakers have adopted against persistent conspiracy theories.

Could a Member of Congress Even Be Deported?

The short answer, according to immigration law experts, is no — not without a lengthy, public, court‑governed process that has never happened in U.S. history.

“Even if allegations were true — and again, there is zero evidence here — the constitutional questions would be monumental,” said attorney Marisol Bennett, who specializes in immigration litigation.

Removing a citizen‑lawmaker from Congress through denaturalization would raise issues involving:

separation of powers

equal protection

political persecution

First Amendment retaliation

and due process rights

“All of which,” Bennett noted, “would be litigated for years.”

Why These Rumors Matter, Even If False

While the claims lack evidence, their spread is still concerning, experts say.

1. They normalize the idea of stripping political opponents of citizenship

A core democratic principle is that political disagreements do not affect citizenship status.

2. They target minority lawmakers with disproportionate frequency

Women of color in Congress receive significantly more conspiracy-driven attacks than their white counterparts.

3. They contribute to public misinformation

Polling shows that repeated exposure to false claims increases public belief in them, regardless of factual corrections.

4. They weaponize immigration for political gain

Immigration status becomes less a legal question, more a political weapon.

5. They distract from real policy debates

Rather than discussing legislation or constituent needs, political energy gets diverted to baseless scandals.

A Long History of Conspiracy Theories Against Women of Color in Office

Omar’s experience is not unique.

Former President Barack Obama faced years of “birther” conspiracy theories.

Vice President Kamala Harris has been subjected to repeated misinformation campaigns about her citizenship and eligibility.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez has been targeted with fabricated personal narratives.

“Claims like these are part of a broader pattern of policing who is allowed to belong in American democracy,” said political analyst Dr. Simone Adler.

Inside the Morality Play: Accountability or Retaliation?

Supporters of the rumor argue that all naturalized citizens — even elected officials — should be subject to review if fraud is suspected.

Critics counter that using unverifiable allegations as a basis to question citizenship crosses a dangerous line.

“This is not accountability,” Adler said. “It’s the politicization of identity.”

Washington Reacts

While mainstream lawmakers have largely avoided commenting, political staffers and strategists privately acknowledge the volatility of the situation.

“If this were ever attempted — even as a symbolic gesture — the backlash would be enormous,” said one Democratic strategist.

A Republican aide, speaking on background, said, “There’s no appetite here for weaponizing denaturalization. That’s a can of worms no one wants to open.”

Both parties understand the stakes.

A Test Case for Truth in the Digital Age

The Omar rumor is fast becoming a case study in how misinformation spreads in an era where:

political identities drive media consumption

unverified claims can outrun fact-checked reporting

outrage becomes a currency

and conspiracy theories gain traction in the absence of institutional trust

“Modern political rumors are no longer fringe,” said disinformation researcher Kevin Morales. “They’re a structural part of the political ecosystem.”

Conclusion: The Storm Without Substance

For now, there is no evidence, no official documents, no agency statements, and no legal proceedings suggesting Rep. Ilhan Omar faces citizenship revocation or deportation.

What the story does reflect, however, is a nation grappling with identity, belonging, and truth in a hyperpolarized age.

The rumor may fade.
But the environment that allowed it to thrive remains.

And as the 2026 election cycle approaches, one thing is certain:
Ilhan Omar will continue to be at the center of America’s fiercest political and cultural battles — whether the claims are real or not.