Feds Seek to Revoke Citizenship of Former North Miami Mayor

Federal authorities are moving to strip former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime of his U.S. citizenship, alleging he lied during the naturalization process.

According to a civil complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bien-Aime allegedly misrepresented his identity and immigration history. Homeland Security records, including fingerprint comparisons, indicate he is the same individual previously ordered removed from the United States under the name Philippe Janvier.

Court documents state that in 2000 an immigration judge found Janvier had entered the country using a fraudulent, photo-switched passport and ordered him deported to Haiti. Authorities claim there is no record that he ever left.

Prosecutors also allege his marriage, which was used to obtain immigration benefits, was invalid and that a Haitian divorce certificate submitted in the process was fraudulent.

Bien-Aime, elected mayor in 2019, declined to comment. His attorney said they are reviewing the filing and will respond in court.

If citizenship is revoked, it could raise legal questions about his eligibility to have held office, since city code requires elected officials to be U.S. citizens and registered voters.