Feds Seek to Strip Former North Miami Mayor of U.S. Citizenship

Authorities accuse Philippe Bien-Aime of lying during naturalization process

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Federal authorities are accusing former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime of lying during the naturalization process in order to become a U.S. citizen, allegations that could now cost him that citizenship. The government claims Bien-Aime 'willfully misrepresented his identity and immigration history' and was previously ordered removed from the U.S. under a different name.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the eligibility requirements for elected office in North Miami, as the city's code states candidates must be qualified electors, meaning they must be U.S. citizens eligible to vote. If Bien-Aime's citizenship is revoked, it could impact the legitimacy of his time as mayor.

The details

According to a civil complaint, Department of Homeland Security records show the person who naturalized as Philippe Bien-Aime is the same individual who was previously ordered removed from the U.S. under the name Philippe Janvier. The complaint alleges Janvier gained entry through fraud and a photo-switched passport, and there's no indication he ever left as ordered. It also claims Bien-Aime's marriage was invalid due to bigamy.

  • On July 31, 2000, an immigration judge ordered Philippe Janvier removed to Haiti.
  • Bien-Aime was elected mayor of North Miami in 2019.
  • Bien-Aime recently ran unsuccessfully for the Miami-Dade County Commission.

The players

Philippe Bien-Aime

Former mayor of North Miami who is accused of lying during the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen.

U.S. Department of Justice

Federal authorities bringing the civil complaint against Bien-Aime to revoke his U.S. citizenship.

Philippe Janvier

The name Bien-Aime allegedly used previously, when an immigration judge ordered him removed from the U.S. in 2000.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Peterson St. Philippe, Attorney for Philippe Bien-Aime (NBC6)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the government to revoke Bien-Aime's U.S. citizenship.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of verifying the eligibility of elected officials, as questions about Bien-Aime's citizenship could undermine the legitimacy of his time as mayor of North Miami. It also raises broader concerns about immigration fraud and the naturalization process.