GOP Lawmaker Unveils MAMDANI Act to Strip Citizenship from 'Socialists'

House Republican Chip Roy introduced a controversial bill on Monday that could lead to the denaturalization of U.S. citizens who support socialism. This proposal specifically targets members of the Democratic Socialists of America and affiliated organizations, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The MAMDANI Act—Measures Against Marxism’s Dangerous Adherents and Noxious Islamists—seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, broadening the criteria for deportation and citizenship revocation based on political beliefs. This move aligns with previous efforts by Donald Trump’s administration to aggressively pursue denaturalization cases against individuals deemed politically undesirable.

Roy, a prominent figure in the far-right House Freedom Caucus, has positioned this legislation as a necessary step to combat what he describes as “hostile ideologies fundamentally opposed to American values.” His rhetoric echoes sentiments from the Red Scare era, aiming to root out perceived threats from within.

Democratic Socialists of America, boasting over 100,000 members, is a primary target of this bill. Notable members include Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib. The bill’s language also implicates any group discussing socialist or communist ideologies, raising concerns about its potential implications for free speech.

Following Mamdani's election victory, right-wing backlash intensified, with calls for a revival of McCarthy-era tactics. Republican Senator Mike Collins remarked on social media about the need to bring back the Un-American Activities Committee, highlighting the growing Islamophobia in political discourse.

In a pointed attack, Rep. Andy Ogles demanded that Mamdani be denaturalized and deported. Mamdani, originally from Uganda, became a U.S. citizen in 2018 after moving to New York at age seven. Ogles previously urged an investigation into Mamdani’s citizenship status.

Roy’s campaign has been marked by frequent references to Islam and Muslims, with reports indicating he has made over 244 posts on these topics since January. This pattern reflects a broader trend among Republicans as they prepare for upcoming midterm elections.

Interestingly, Roy’s legislation does not address violent right-wing movements, raising questions about selective targeting in political rhetoric. This is not the first time Mamdani's name has been used in Republican-sponsored bills; others have sought to strip federal funds from New York City and investigate local grocery stores.

Grant Newman from the Immigration Accountability Project stated, “Admission to the United States is a privilege, not a right,” emphasizing the need for national security over open immigration policies. He argued that the country must prioritize its own survival and safety.

The Department of Justice has indicated plans to focus on denaturalization proceedings against individuals considered threats to national security or those who allegedly misrepresented their citizenship status. This memo suggests a broad interpretation of what constitutes a threat.

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the constitutionality of revoking automatic citizenship at birth, the implications of such decisions could affect tens of thousands of newborns annually. The legal landscape surrounding citizenship continues to evolve amid these contentious debates.