The United States Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit aiming to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Fernando Adrián Moio Bartolini, a 50-year-old Argentine living in Florida. Allegedly, he used counterfeit Cuban documents to initially gain residency and later achieve naturalization.
According to the complaint filed in a federal court in Orlando, Moio Bartolini purchased a fake Cuban birth certificate and passport. These fraudulent documents allowed him to take advantage of the Cuban Adjustment Act, a migratory pathway established in 1966 to regularize Cubans arriving in the U.S. By falsely claiming Cuban birth, he secured permanent residency and eventually took the oath as a U.S. citizen.
The deception was uncovered in 2013 when a Customs and Border Protection agent at Miami International Airport became suspicious due to Moio Bartolini's distinct Argentine accent. He was attempting to enter the country from Medellín, Colombia. Upon his detention, Moio Bartolini confessed to his true nationality and admitted to tricking the immigration system.
Legal Measures and Implications
"Civil denaturalization is a crucial tool to ensure that only qualified individuals with good moral character obtain U.S. citizenship. This case sends a clear message: if you deceive immigration officials and violate our laws, we will prosecute and denaturalize you," stated Brett A. Shumate, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Division.
The Justice Department accuses Moio Bartolini of concealing vital information and providing false testimony during his naturalization process. They are petitioning the court to annul his citizenship. If the lawsuit is successful, the Argentine would lose his citizenship status and become subject to deportation.
While rare, denaturalization can occur in incidents involving fraud, extremist activities, or serious criminal offenses. The investigation was conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and will be litigated by the Justice Department's Civil Division.
Denaturalization and Immigration Fraud: Key Questions
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act, enacted in 1966, provides a legal pathway for Cubans arriving in the U.S. to obtain permanent residency, eventually leading to citizenship.
What led to the discovery of Moio Bartolini's fraud?
Moio Bartolini's fraud was exposed in 2013 when a Customs and Border Protection agent became suspicious of his Argentine accent while he attempted to enter the U.S. from Colombia.
What are the consequences of denaturalization?
Denaturalization results in the loss of U.S. citizenship, which can lead to deportation and loss of legal status in the country.