Former Florida Mayor Faces Citizenship Revocation Over Alleged Immigration Fraud
Federal immigration officials have initiated legal proceedings that could result in a former Florida mayor being stripped of his United States citizenship. The case centers on allegations that Philippe Bien-Aime, who served as North Miami's mayor from 2019 to 2022, entered the country illegally and subsequently engaged in a fraudulent marriage scheme to obtain naturalization.
Allegations of Document Fraud and Bigamy
According to court documents filed in Miami federal court, the 60-year-old Haitian-born politician, originally named Jean Philippe Janvier, allegedly entered the United States on July 25, 1995, using a doctored passport containing his photograph but belonging to another individual. Authorities claim this initial illegal entry formed the foundation for subsequent immigration violations.
The lawsuit further alleges that Bien-Aime pursued citizenship through fraudulent means in 2001 by marrying a U.S. citizen while still legally married to his Haitian wife. An immigration officer stated in an affidavit that "Bien-Aime was not eligible to receive a visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen because his marriage to the U.S citizen... was bigamous and invalid."
Complex Web of Alleged Deception
Court records reveal a complicated pattern of alleged deception spanning decades. Under his original name Jean Philippe Janvier, the former mayor reportedly married Sarahjane Ternier. Then, using the name Philippe Bien-Aime, he allegedly married Beatrice Gelin. Investigators claim both marriages occurred on the same day, June 20, 1993, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
According to immigration officials, Bien-Aime later claimed in his green card and naturalization applications that he had divorced Gelin and married U.S. citizen Mari Rose Chauvet in May 2001. However, authorities allege that both the marriage to Ternier and the divorce certificates for both Haitian marriages were fraudulent.
Previous Deportation Order and Continued Residence
In 2001, a judge ordered Bien-Aime deported to Haiti. Although he initially appealed this removal order, he eventually withdrew his appeal while claiming he had returned to Haiti. A U.S. Department of Justice press release states that "in reality, Bien-Aime remained in the United States and, using the new name and date of birth, married a U.S. citizen to obtain permanent resident status."
The complaint accuses Bien-Aime of illegally obtaining naturalization by evading a final removal order, which should have prohibited consideration for citizenship. Authorities also allege he provided false information under oath regarding his children and former addresses.
Legal Proceedings and Responses
During denaturalization proceedings, Bien-Aime testified that he "has not practiced polygamy and has not given any false testimony to obtain immigration benefits." His attorney, Peterson St Philippe, told the Miami Herald that "we believe it is appropriate to address the allegations through the judicial process rather than through public commentary" and noted that "the matter remains unsolved and that no findings have been made."
Current North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme expressed shock at the allegations, stating his administration had been unaware of any alleged alternate identity associated with Bien-Aime.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Context
This case reportedly forms part of broader efforts to identify immigrants who obtained U.S. citizenship through fraudulent means. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division emphasized that "this administration will not permit fraudsters and tricksters who cheat their way to the gift of U.S. citizenship" and that "the passage of time does not diminish blatant immigration fraud."
The lawsuit seeks to revoke Bien-Aime's naturalization based on allegations that he concealed and misrepresented material facts regarding his qualifications for U.S. citizenship. The case continues to unfold through the federal judicial system as both sides prepare their arguments.
