According to the U.S. Department of Justice website, the DOJ has filed a lawsuit attempting to cancel the naturalized citizenship of a Ypsilanti citizen.
The DOJ alleges he obtained citizenship under false pretenses by concealing information from Israel, which claims he is a supporter of Hamas terrorist activities.
Abdul Jabbar Naji Shalabi, 39, is a native of the nation of Jordan. Shalabi first traveled to the United States in 1997.
According to records from Israel, after a few years, Shalabi left the U.S. and began his studies at the Bir Zeit University in the West Bank.
While studying, Israeli intelligence says Shalabi exhibited signs of radicalization. When Israel found out that Shalabi was granted legal citizenship to the U.S., Israeli authorities immediately contacted the DOJ.
“We will use all available tools to enhance national security and counter the threat of terrorism,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt in a Dec. 18 press release. “The Department of Justice is deeply committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who defraud the American people and government by concealing their material support for terrorists.”
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