Feds seek to strip former North Miami mayor of US citizenship – NBC 6 South Florida
Federal authorities are accusing former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime of mendacity throughout the naturalization course of so as to turn into a US citizen — allegations that might now price him that citizenship.
According to a 13-page civil criticism filed by the US Department of Justice and reviewed solely by NBC6, the federal government claims Bien-Aime “willfully misrepresented his identity and immigration history throughout the naturalization process.”
Court paperwork state that Department of Homeland Security information — together with fingerprint comparisons — present that the one that naturalized as Philippe Bien-Aime is identical particular person who was beforehand ordered faraway from the United States beneath the identify Philippe Janvier.
The feds at the moment are accusing a former mayor of North Miami of mendacity so he may turn into a US citizen. The allegations now begin the method that might strip the politician of his citizenship. NBC6’s Hatzel Vela stories
The criticism alleges that on July 31, 2000, an immigration decide decided that Janvier gained entry into the United States by fraud, particularly by means of the use of a photo-switched passport. The decide ordered him eliminated to Haiti.
However, the submitting states there isn’t a indication he has ever left the United States as ordered.
The criticism additional alleges that Bien-Aime was not eligible to receive a visa because the partner of a US citizen as a result of his marriage was invalid.
Federal prosecutors accuse him of bigamy, claiming his Haitian divorce certificates was counterfeit and fraudulent.
Bien-Aime, initially from Haiti, was elected mayor of North Miami in 2019. Most lately, he ran unsuccessfully for the Miami-Dade County Commission.
NBC6 went to his North Miami residence, however nobody answered the door. When reached by cellphone, Bien-Aime declined to remark.
His legal professional, Peterson St. Philippe, offered the next assertion: “We are aware of the government’s filing and are in the process of reviewing it. We intend to respond through the appropriate legal channels. As this is a pending litigation, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
If the federal government succeeds in its effort to revoke Bien-Aime’s citizenship, it may elevate authorized and political questions on his time in workplace.
North Miami’s metropolis code states that candidates searching for workplace should be certified electors — which means they should be residents eligible to vote and registered on the time.
To register to vote, an individual should be a US citizen.
NBC6 has reached out to the City of North Miami for remark and is awaiting a response.
(*6*)
READ THE COMPLAINT HERE:
