§ 1428
Surrender of canceled naturalization certificate
Up to 5 years
Immigration & Citizenship
None sentenced (FY2025)
Ch. 69 · Nationality and Citizenship
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, having in his possession or control a certificate of naturalization or citizenship or a copy thereof which has been canceled as provided by law, fails to surrender the same after at least sixty days' notice by the appropriate court or the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, shall be or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 767 (PDF, 39 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to keep a canceled naturalization or citizenship certificate (or a copy) and fail to turn it in after at least 60 days' notice from the court or immigration officials.