Former North Miami Mayor Faces Citizenship Revocation Charges

Federal prosecutors allege decades-long identity deception in denaturalization case.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have filed denaturalization charges against former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime, claiming he unlawfully entered the U.S. in 1997 using a fraudulent passport under the alias Jean Philippe Janvier. Authorities allege Bien-Aime, who was previously ordered deported in 2000, disappeared into a new identity and later naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2006 before being elected mayor in 2019.

Why it matters

The case could have significant political implications, as North Miami's city code requires candidates to be registered citizens. If the denaturalization charges are successful, it could invalidate Bien-Aime's entire mayoral tenure.

The details

Federal prosecutors claim Bien-Aime entered the U.S. in 1997 using a fraudulent "photo-switched" passport under the alias Jean Philippe Janvier. An immigration judge ordered his removal in 2000, but authorities allege he never left, instead disappearing into a new identity as Philippe Bien-Aime. Fingerprint comparisons confirm the same individual was previously ordered deported and later naturalized as a citizen in 2006.

  • Bien-Aime allegedly entered the U.S. using a fraudulent passport in 1997.
  • An immigration judge ordered Bien-Aime's removal in 2000.
  • Bien-Aime allegedly naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2006.
  • Bien-Aime was elected mayor of North Miami in 2019.
  • Bien-Aime resigned as mayor in 2021.

The players

Philippe Bien-Aime

The former mayor of North Miami who is facing denaturalization charges from federal prosecutors.

Jean Philippe Janvier

The alias that authorities claim Bien-Aime used to unlawfully enter the U.S. in 1997.

Peterson St. Philippe

The attorney representing Bien-Aime in the denaturalization case.

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What they’re saying

“We are in the process of reviewing the complaint and will respond through the appropriate legal channels.”

— Peterson St. Philippe, Attorney (NBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the denaturalization charges to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and political issues surrounding citizenship and immigration, with significant implications for Bien-Aime's political career and the governance of North Miami.