---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 1653"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "1653"
heading: "Aliens as pirates"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/1653"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 81 — Piracy and Privateering"
---

# §1653. Aliens as pirates


[Whoever](/usc/18/921.md?p=a-1), being a citizen or subject of any foreign [state](/usc/18/31.md?p=a-9), is found and taken on the sea making war upon the [United States](/usc/18/229F.md?p=9), or cruising against the vessels and property thereof, or of the citizens of the same, contrary to the provisions of any treaty existing between the [United States](/usc/18/229F.md?p=9) and the [state](/usc/18/31.md?p=a-9) of which the offender is a citizen or subject, when by such treaty such acts are declared to be piracy, is a pirate, and shall be imprisoned for life.


## Source credit

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 774.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 496 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 305, 35 Stat. 1147.)

Minor change was made in phraseology.