Concerns Over Citizenship Loophole in Northern Mariana Islands and Birth Tourism Impact

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A U.S. citizenship loophole in the Northern Mariana Islands is allowing Chinese nationals to engage in “birth tourism,” sparking security concerns and calls for immediate action.

Quick Takes

Rep. Tom Tiffany urges DHS to close loophole allowing visa-free entry for Chinese nationals in Northern Mariana Islands
Births from foreign nationals in the islands increased from less than 10 in 2009 to almost 600 in 2018
Practice enables children born in CNMI to later obtain green cards for their families
Security concerns raised due to proximity of U.S. Naval Base Marianas
Loophole linked to criminal trafficking networks

Congressman Sounds Alarm on Citizenship Loophole

Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin is calling attention to a little-known citizenship loophole in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) that’s being exploited for “birth tourism.” The loophole, implemented during the Obama administration and continued under President Biden, allows Chinese nationals to enter the CNMI without a visa, facilitating a surge in births to foreign nationals.

“Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Wisconsin Republican, is urging the Department of Homeland Security to close an Obama-era loophole that allows foreigners to use the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as a ‘birth tourism’ destination.” – Rep. Tom Tiffany

The practice has led to a dramatic increase in births to foreign nationals in the CNMI, from less than 10 in 2009 to almost 600 in 2018. This surge has resulted in more births from foreign nationals than from legal U.S. residents in recent years, raising concerns about the demographic impact on the small island community.

Security Risks and Immigration Concerns

Tiffany argues that this loophole poses significant security risks, particularly due to the proximity of U.S. Naval Base Marianas. The congressman contends that Chinese nationals should be required to meet the same visa standards as they would for entry into any other part of the United States.

“DHS must close the loophole that allows Chinese nationals to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. This is being exploited for birth tourism, granting U.S. citizenship to children born there.” – Rep. Tom Tiffany

The practice of birth tourism not only grants U.S. citizenship to children born in the CNMI but also potentially allows these children to later obtain green cards for their families. This has raised concerns about the integrity of U.S. immigration policies and the potential for abuse of the system.

Criminal Networks andTrafficking

The birth tourism industry in the CNMI has been linked to criminal trafficking networks. 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. This case highlights the darker side of the practice and its potential connections to organized crime.

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

Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs has joined Tiffany in calling for the closure of the CNMI loophole, noting that it is “not well known and abused widely.” The issue extends beyond the CNMI, as other locations have also been targeted by Chinese citizens for maternity tourism.

DHS must close the loophole that allows Chinese nationals to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. This is being exploited for birth tourism, granting U.S. citizenship to children born there.

📺WATCH: pic.twitter.com/pNwM6emo11

— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) February 20, 2025

Calls for Action and Policy Changes

Tiffany is specifically targeting the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which allows Chinese tourists to enter these territories without a U.S. visa. He argues that this practice devalues U.S. citizenship and poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy. The congressman has previously addressed this issue, criticizing the use of parole authority to allow Chinese nationals entry outside normal visa rules.

“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, the EVS-TAP program, which includes electronic screening, a maximum 14-day stay, and additional security measures for Chinese nationals traveling to CNMI and Guam, remains in place. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address the broader concerns surrounding birth tourism and its potential impact on U.S. national security and immigration policy.