The Trump administration on Thursday formally issued a rule allowing customs officials to deny entry to travelers whom they suspect are headed to the U.S. for the sole purpose of giving birth on American soil.
A rule issued by the State Department marks the administration’s first formal effort to cut down on the practice known as “birth tourism,” which President Trump has heavily criticized and suggested should be a reason for ending birthright citizenship.
“This rule establishes that travel to the United States with the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the United States is an impermissible basis for the issuance of a B nonimmigrant visa,” the statute reads.
“Consequently, a consular officer shall deny a B nonimmigrant visa to an alien who(m) he or she has reason to believe intends to travel for this primary purpose,” it continues.
It’s unclear how customs officials are to determine whether a traveler is headed to the U.S. for the purpose of giving birth on U.S. soil, though U.S. officials hinted to Axios earlier this week that Thursday’s rule could be just the first in a line of actions against birth tourism.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” a senior official told the news outlet. “Just the legal recognition that this is improper and wrong and not allowed is a significant step forward.”
Gene Hackman’s Utility Company Speaks Out After Investigation, Details Deepen Mystery
Judge in Kohberger Case Realizes What Lawyers on Both Sides Are Keeping from the Public, Puts a Stop to It
Democrat Rep. Stansbury goes on profane tirade during sanctuary city hearing: ‘total bulls***’
Alleged Abbey Gate plotter extradited to US to face ‘justice for our 13,’ FBI Director Kash Patel says
Young father killed by illegal immigrant highlights ‘betrayal’ of sanctuary cities, says Republican
Majority of workers agree DOGE ‘5 things’ email request is ‘reasonable’: Poll
NFL Captain Unexpectedly Retires at Age 29
Two charged in Kansas City Chiefs fans’ deaths 14 months after bodies found frozen in backyard
New York City can’t stop Trump’s clawback of $80M for migrant hotels: Judge
On a Night Full of Embarrassing Moments for Democrats, Jasmine Crockett’s Rap Video Was Hard to Top
Conservative candidate garners higher favorability than liberal one in Wisconsin Supreme Court race
Blue state GOP lawmaker goes viral for exposing state’s spending proposals: ‘People were appalled’
Resolution punishing Al Green clears Dem blockade, advances to House-wide vote after Trump speech
US holding first-ever bilateral talks with Hamas
Hungary seeks ‘international alliance’ of ‘patriotic forces’ to replace liberal ‘Ivory tower’
“This change is intended to address the national security and law enforcement risks associated with birth tourism, including criminal activity associated with the birth tourism industry,” a State Department official added to Axios.
Lawmakers have previously questioned whether the administration has the right to curb birthright citizenship through executive action, with some – including allies of the president – believing that doing so would require a change to the Constitution.
“I am not a lawyer, but it seems to me it would take a constitutional amendment to change that as opposed to an executive order,” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said of the president’s criticism of birthright citizenship in 2018.
Story cited here.
