Israeli court revokes citizenship of Cuban man over sham marriage

The Beersheba Administrative Affairs Court has ordered the revocation of Israeli citizenship for a Cuban national, Wilfredo Plaites Capota, who obtained it via a fictitious marriage. The Justice Ministry announced the decision Monday, stating the court accepted a petition from the Population and Immigration Authority.

Capota immigrated to Israel in 2011 and received citizenship under provisions for spouses of Israeli citizens. However, an anonymous letter in 2012 raised suspicions about the marriage's authenticity. Interviews with the couple revealed they had separated about two months after Capota arrived in Israel. He admitted during questioning that the marriage was intended to help him gain legal status and improve his quality of life. Capota left Israel in 2016 and has not returned.

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Citizenship, she wrote, is intended to reflect a meaningful and ongoing bond with the State of Israel.

In her ruling, Deputy President Judge Yael Raz-Levy accepted the state's position, finding that Capota acquired citizenship through misrepresentation and the marriage was not genuine. She noted his prolonged absence significantly weakened his connection to Israel, emphasizing that citizenship reflects an ongoing bond with the country. The judge further stressed that revoking citizenship protects state sovereignty and the integrity of immigration laws, preventing abuse of marriage for legal status.

The court, however, ruled that Capota may request the cancellation of the judgment within 30 days of becoming aware of it, which would schedule a new hearing. Efforts to locate him in Cuba and Canada for notification were unsuccessful, despite outreach through diplomatic channels, social media, and alternative legal service methods.

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The judge further emphasized that revoking citizenship serves the public interest by protecting state sovereignty and preserving the integrity of Israel's immigration and citizenship laws.