The White House is reportedly considering new immigration measures that could restrict entry for certain pregnant foreign nationals as part of efforts to curb birth tourism in the United States.
According to a report by The Telegraph, the proposals would target women who travel to the U.S. with the intention of giving birth so their children automatically acquire American citizenship.
Proposed Measures Focus on Pregnant Foreign Visitors
The reported plans form part of a broader review of immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Officials are said to be examining ways to limit travel by non-U.S. citizens in the later stages of pregnancy if authorities believe the primary purpose of the visit is to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child through birth on American soil.
Administration officials reportedly argue that the practice raises national security concerns, contending that children born under such circumstances may later return to the United States for education, employment or other opportunities.
Debate Follows Supreme Court Ruling
The reported policy discussions come after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked an initiative associated with President Donald Trump that sought to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born within the United States.
Following the court’s decision, Trump publicly criticized the ruling and urged Congress to pursue legislative action on the issue.
Executive Order Challenged Traditional Interpretation
Earlier in his second term, Trump signed an executive order seeking to narrow the interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The administration argued that automatic citizenship should apply only to children whose parents are legally and permanently residing in the United States, rather than extending to all children born on American territory regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Birth Tourism Remains a Contentious Issue
Reports estimate that between 20,000 and 26,000 children are born in the United States each year to foreign nationals.
The practice of birth tourism has remained a politically divisive issue, with supporters of stricter immigration controls advocating tighter entry requirements, while opponents argue that birthright citizenship is constitutionally protected under the 14th Amendment.
No official announcement has been made regarding whether the reported travel restrictions will be formally introduced or when any new policy could take effect.
