Federal authorities have filed a civil complaint to revoke the U.S. citizenship of former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime, alleging he obtained naturalization through fraud. Bien-Aime, also known as Jean Philippe Janvier, is accused of entering the United States using a fraudulent passport and later assuming a new identity to secure immigration benefits.
Court records indicate Bien-Aime was placed in removal proceedings in 2001 under the Janvier identity and ordered deported to Haiti, but he never left the country. Federal authorities assert he married a U.S. citizen under his new identity to gain permanent residency, providing false statements about his marital status, children, and prior residences during naturalization interviews.
“This Administration will not permit fraudsters and tricksters who cheat their way to the gift of U.S. citizenship,” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones noted the allegations are especially serious given Bien-Aime’s service as an elected official.
Fingerprint comparisons confirmed the link between his two identities. Bien-Aime, elected mayor in 2019, declined to comment, while his attorney, Peterson St. Philippe, stated they are reviewing the filing and will respond through legal channels. If citizenship is revoked, it could raise questions about the validity of his tenure in office.
