Oscar Alberto Pelaez faces denaturalization for allegedly concealing criminal history during naturalization
May 14, 2026
Country of origin: Colombia

Oscar Alberto Pelaez, a former Colombian priest, is facing revocation of his U.S. citizenship after the Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit alleging he deliberately concealed his crimes during naturalization. Pelaez was granted citizenship in 2001, but pleaded guilty in 2002 to 13 felonies for sexually abusing a 14-year-old parishioner between 1998 and 2000. He had falsely attested on his citizenship application that he had no criminal record. The case was revived following a recent investigation as part of a broader effort to identify cases where immigration benefits were obtained through false information.
Sources
- USCIS and DOJ Take Steps to Denaturalize 12 Individuals for Concealing Terrorist Support, War Crimes, Espionage, Sexual Abuse, and More
uscis.gov·May 14, 2026·archived copy
- U.S. Authorities Seek to Revoke Citizenship of Ex-Priest Who Hid Minor Abuse
sandiegored.com·May 16, 2026·archived copy
- Trump DOJ targets citizenship of former Turlock priest guilty of child molestation
Yahoo News·May 11, 2026·archived copy
- Fr. Oscar A. Pelaez – BishopAccountability.org
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