Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

18 U.S.C. § 1653

Aliens as pirates

Whoever, being a citizen or subject of any foreign state, is found and taken on the sea making war upon the United States, 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 and the state 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.

June 25, 1948, ch. 64562 Stat. 774(, .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 30535 Stat. 1147Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 496 (, .)

Minor change was made in phraseology.