US Rep. Ilhan Omar faces expulsion threat over alleged immigration fraud

US Representative Ilhan Omar is under threat of expulsion from Congress after an alleged immigration fraud investigation by the US Department of Justice. Republican Representative Randy Fine, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, announced his intention to pursue expulsion if the investigation finds her guilty. Although the federal court filing lists Omar as "Ilhan Nur Said Elmi" and "Ilhan Abdullahi Omar" as an alias, it does not establish that she committed fraud.

Fine argued that Omar is not a citizen, which would disqualify her from being in Congress, but he also claimed he would demand expulsion immediately if automatic citizenship status is not automatic. Omar, born in Somalia, became an American citizen in 2000 and has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigation politically motivated.

Fine further criticized Democrats for opposing Republicans' attempts to censure or expel Omar. The congressman also questioned Democrats' support for Democrats' criticism of the Justice Department's investigation into Omar's financial disclosures. Omar's residence in Washington, DC, was searched by Homeland Security Investigations agents in October as part of a federal investigation into possible false statements in immigration and naturalization documents.

The House of Representatives has the constitutional power to expel a member, but such a move requires a two-thirds majority vote.