The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated proceedings to revoke U.S. citizenship from former North Miami Mayor Phillipe Bien-Aime, also known as Jean Phillipe Janvier, due to allegations of immigration fraud. The complaint, made public on Thursday, claims Bien-Aime used dual identities to secure legal status in the United States.
According to the DOJ, Bien-Aime, who served as mayor from 2019 to 2022, allegedly engaged in a fraudulent marriage with a U.S. citizen while still being married to a woman in Haiti. The complaint outlines that Bien-Aime entered the U.S. in 2000 using a photo-switched passport under his alias. Initially, he faced removal proceedings but withdrew his appeal under the pretext of returning to Haiti, although he remained in the U.S. and married an American citizen, subsequently completing the naturalization process in 2006.
The case highlights the DOJ’s focus on citizenship fraud, which, while relatively rare, had been a point of increased scrutiny under the previous administration’s immigration policy. Concerns have been raised regarding the implications this case could have on Bien-Aime’s tenure as mayor, as the city’s charter requires electoral candidates to be U.S. citizens. If the allegations are substantiated, it could profoundly impact his political legacy and raise questions about the integrity of the office he held.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “United States citizenship is a privilege grounded in honesty and allegiance to this country.” He further noted that the integrity required for public office brings additional weight to the accusations of deception. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate reiterated the administration’s stance against immigration fraud, asserting that “the passage of time does not diminish blatant immigration fraud.”
Bien-Aime’s attorney, Peterson St. Philippe, acknowledged the DOJ’s filing and indicated they are reviewing the case and will respond through the appropriate legal processes. The case has been assigned to Judge K. Michael Moore, although a hearing date has yet to be set.
This development serves as a significant reminder of the stringent standards applied to lawful citizenship and the accountability elected officials must uphold. As this case unfolds, it has the potential to serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency and integrity in public service.