Tom Tiffany Raises Concerns Over Immigration Loophole in Northern Mariana Islands Affecting Birth Tourism and Security Risks

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A loophole in U.S. immigration policy allows Chinese nationals visa-free entry to the Northern Mariana Islands, sparking concerns over “birth tourism” and national security risks.

Key Takeaways

Rep. Tom Tiffany urges closure of a loophole allowing “birth tourism” in the Northern Mariana Islands
Chinese nationals can visit the islands without a visa, leading to a surge in births by foreign nationals
The practice raises security concerns due to proximity to U.S. Naval Base Marianas
Critics argue the loophole devalues U.S. citizenship and poses foreign policy threats
The issue has led to more births from foreign nationals than legal U.S. residents in recent years

Loophole Sparks “Birth Tourism” Concerns

Representative Tom Tiffany, a Wisconsin Republican, has raised alarm over a significant loophole in U.S. immigration policy regarding the Northern Mariana Islands. The issue centers on Chinese nationals being allowed visa-free entry, allegedly fueling a rise in “birth tourism.” This practice enables foreign nationals to have children on U.S. territory who automatically gain U.S. citizenship, with potential residency advantages for the parents.

The rule, initially implemented by former President Barack Obama in 2009 and continued under President Joe Biden in January 2024, has led to a dramatic increase in births from foreign nationals in the Northern Mariana Islands. The numbers rose from less than 10 in 2009 to almost 600 in 2018, surpassing births from legal U.S. residents in recent years.

Security Risks and Demographic Shifts

Tiffany argues that this loophole presents a significant security risk, particularly due to the proximity of the U.S. Naval Base Marianas. The congressman contends that Chinese nationals should meet the same visa requirements as for any other part of the U.S., emphasizing that the current situation offers no tangible benefits to the United States while potentially compromising national security.

“Set aside the birthright citizenship part of it, it’s allowing people to gain citizenship that are coming from communist China.” – Rep. Tom Tiffany

The practice has not only raised security concerns but has also led to a shift in the demographic makeup of the small island population. Birth tourism has become a cottage industry, linked to a criminal trafficking network. In one notable case, U.S./Taiwanese dual citizen Richard Peng was prosecuted for his role in an underground birth tourism network, receiving a prison sentence and fine.

GOP Congressman Sounds the Alarm on Little-Known US Citizenship 'Loophole' Being Exploited by the Chinese: “DHS must close the loophole,” GOP Congressman Tom Tiffany said. https://t.co/TOVezxtnPM pic.twitter.com/grran1fd2l

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Political Response and Debate

Tiffany’s concerns have garnered support from other Republican lawmakers. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs has backed the call to close the CNMI loophole, noting that it is widely abused and not well known. The issue has sparked a broader debate about birthright citizenship and immigration policy.

“What’s happening in Northern Mariana is particularly vexing because it is not well known and abused widely.” – Andy Biggs

Tiffany’s request specifically targets the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which permits Chinese tourists to enter these territories without a U.S. visa. The congressman had previously addressed this issue in a 2020 letter, criticizing the use of parole authority to allow Chinese nationals entry outside normal visa rules.

Implications and Future Actions

The debate over this loophole raises broader questions about U.S. immigration policy, national security, and the value of American citizenship. Critics argue that the practice devalues U.S. citizenship and poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy. While measures like the EVS-TAP program, which includes electronic screening and a maximum 14-day stay for Chinese nationals traveling to CNMI and Guam, have been implemented, concerns persist.

“Whether through a new territorial waiver or the widespread use of parole, visa-free travel to the US territories for nationals of Communist China breeds national security, public safety, and immigration fraud concerns.” – Tom Tiffany

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administration will respond to these concerns. The issue underscores the complex interplay between immigration policy, national security, and diplomatic relations, particularly in relation to China.