Ex-haiti Mayor Jean Morose Viliena sentenced for Immigration Fraud in US
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- Ex-haiti Mayor Jean Morose Viliena sentenced for Immigration Fraud in US
Jean Morose Viliena, 53, the former mayor of Les irois, Haiti, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison in Boston on Friday for immigration fraud. He illegally obtained a Green Card by lying about his involvement in political killings, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Details of the Case Against the Former Haiti Mayor
Viliena, when entering the United States, falsely claimed he had not ordered or participated in extrajudicial and political killings against the Haitian people. He was convicted earlier this year on three counts of visa fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, he faces three years of supervised release and subsequent deportation proceedings.
Did You Know? The U.S. government has considerably increased it’s efforts to identify and prosecute individuals who conceal human rights abuses to gain entry into the country.
Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated, “Jean Morose viliena built a life in the United States by burying the truth about his violent past – a past marked by political persecution, bloodshed, and the silencing of dissent in haiti. For more than a decade, he lived freely and comfortably in this country while the victims of his brutality lived in fear, exile, and pain.”
Viliena’s Role as Mayor and the Korega Militia
From 2006 to 2010, Viliena served as the mayor of Les Irois, Haiti. He was supported by Korega, a political organization known for exerting power through armed violence in southwestern Haiti.Viliena oversaw his mayoral staff and security detail, leading an armed group aligned with Korega. This militia enforced Viliena’s policies by targeting political opponents through violence.
Specific Acts of Violence
Federal authorities detailed several instances of Viliena’s involvement in violence. In July 2007, after a witness testified against viliena in a judicial proceeding, Viliena led an armed group to the witness’s home, where they killed the witness’s younger brother and smashed his skull in front of bystanders.
Pro Tip: Understanding the political climate and past context of a region is crucial when evaluating human rights abuses.
Legal Proceedings and Civil Lawsuit
Viliena presented himself at the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince on June 3, 2008, applying for an Immigrant Visa.He falsely denied being involved in extrajudicial killings on his application.Consequently, he was granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. in July 2008.
A civil lawsuit was filed against him in 2017 under the Torture Victim Protection Act and Alien Tort Statute. In 2023,a jury found him liable for the extrajudicial killing of Ecclesiaste Boniface,and the attempted extrajudicial killing and torture of Juders Yseme and Nissage Martyr,awarding the plaintiffs $11 million in punitive damages.
Justice Department’s Stance
Matthew Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, emphasized, “In Haiti, Jean Morose Viliena was involved in the violent killings, beatings, and assaults of whomever he believed threatened his power as mayor. His lies to U.S. immigration authorities allowed him to unlawfully enter this country and obtain lawful permanent resident status.”
Galeotti added, “Individuals who commit violent crimes in their home countries should take note: we do not tolerate human rights abusers who lie to take refuge here.We will find you, investigate you, and prosecute you to ensure that you are held accountable to the maximum extent of U.S. law for your heinous criminal conduct.”
Timeline of Key events
| date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | Viliena serves as mayor of Les Irois, Haiti. |
| July 2007 | Viliena leads an armed group that kills a witness’s brother. |
| June 3, 2008 | Viliena applies for a U.S. Immigrant Visa, falsely denying involvement in extrajudicial killings. |
| July 2008 | Viliena gains lawful permanent residence in the U.S. |
| 2017 | A civil lawsuit is filed against Viliena. |
| 2023 | Viliena is found liable for extrajudicial killing and torture, with $11 million awarded in damages. |
| June 2025 | Viliena is sentenced to nine years in prison for immigration fraud. |
Evergreen Insights: Background, Context, Historical Trends
The case of Jean Morose Viliena highlights the ongoing challenges of holding human rights abusers accountable, even when they attempt to seek refuge in other countries. Immigration laws in the United States and other nations are designed to prevent individuals involved in serious human rights violations from entering or remaining within their borders. Though, the effectiveness of these laws depends on thorough vetting processes and international cooperation. Cases like Viliena’s underscore the importance of continued vigilance and the need for robust mechanisms to identify and prosecute those who attempt to conceal their pasts to gain entry into new countries. The Center for Justice and Accountability is one organization that works to hold human rights abusers accountable through litigation and advocacy.
FAQ About Immigration Fraud and Human Rights Abusers
- Why is it vital to prosecute individuals who commit immigration fraud related to human rights abuses? Prosecuting these individuals sends a message that the U.S. will not be a safe haven for those who have committed atrocities.
- What are the potential consequences for lying on an immigration application? Consequences can include denial of entry, deportation, and criminal charges, as seen in the case of the former Haiti mayor.
- how does the U.S. government identify individuals who have committed human rights abuses in other countries? The U.S. government uses various methods,including intelligence gathering,international cooperation,and information from victims and witnesses.
- What role do civil lawsuits play in holding human rights abusers accountable? Civil lawsuits can provide a means for victims to seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
- What international laws and treaties address human rights abuses? Several international laws and treaties, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Convention Against Torture, address human rights abuses.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
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