WASHINGTON — A change to Representative Ilhan Omar’s reported birth date in public records has fueled renewed questions regarding her U.S. citizenship, raising concerns among critics about the legitimacy of her naturalization process. The alteration, made by Omar’s staff shortly after she took office in Congress in 2019, is now drawing scrutiny amid reports that federal investigators raided her Washington, D.C. residence earlier this week.

Omar’s birth year was originally listed as 1981 in the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, as well as in widely referenced sources including Wikipedia and congressional biographical directories, throughout her tenure in the Minnesota state legislature and into her first year in Congress. In May 2019, Omar’s team requested the birth year be changed to 1982, a move prompted by a viral video from a political opponent alleging that the congresswoman had misrepresented her age.

According to emails from the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, the correction was made after library staff were told by Omar’s congressional office that the previous birth year was inaccurate. The library’s director indicated that the earlier date had been recorded based on widely available public information but lacked official documentation.

The birth date issue is significant because it relates to Omar’s claim of derivative citizenship through her father, Nur Omar Mohamed, who reportedly naturalized in 2000. Under derivative citizenship laws, a minor child automatically obtains U.S. citizenship if the parent naturalizes while the child is under 18. Omar has stated that she became a citizen before turning 18 through her father’s naturalization.

However, some critics dispute this timeline. AJ Kern, a former Democratic primary opponent in Minnesota’s 5th District race, has argued that records suggest neither Omar’s father’s naturalization nor her minor status at the time align with her citizenship claim. Kern filed a Federal Election Commission complaint seeking proof of Omar’s citizenship, though the complaint was dismissed on grounds that congressional eligibility is constitutionally determined.

Omar and her representatives have categorically denied any allegations of fraud. On social media, she described the accusations as politically motivated attacks linked to former President Donald Trump’s broader pattern of targeting her with unfounded claims.

The current federal inquiry reportedly focuses on possible false statements made in immigration documents. While the precise details of the investigation remain confidential, sources familiar with the matter indicate that agents from Homeland Security Investigations sought records related to Omar’s citizenship and her father’s naturalization status.

Legal experts note that if an individual intentionally falsifies information on official forms, such as passport applications, it could constitute naturalization fraud, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations for prosecution. However, no formal charges have been announced in connection with the investigation.