Language on Birthing Home Visa Fraud Included in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) praised the Homeland Security Appropriations bill inclusion of report language addressing the rise in visa fraud for the purpose of having children in the United States. The growth of so-called birth tourism has resulted in a number of raids and arrests throughout southern California over the past few years. More recently, the city of Eastvale has reached out to Rep. Calvert about the growth of suspected birthing homes in the city.
"While we continue to welcome people to our country through legal means, it's critical that we crack down on individuals who fraudulently come to America for the sole purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for their child," said Rep. Calvert. "It is against the law to apply for a visa under false pretenses, yet we continue to see indications that foreign nationals are exploiting our immigration system. The growth of birthing homes in Eastvale is a concern for many of its residents. I was pleased to work with the Chairman on this language and I'm certain that it will draw the attention of Homeland Security officials to this problem."
According to Eastvale city staff, there are 19 single family homes (12 on the same street) and 22 nearby apartment units which have been reported as suspected maternity homes reported. Earlier this year, the city established an ad hoc committee to explore potential solutions to the issue.
The language in the fiscal year 2018 Homeland Security Appropriations bill states:
The Committee is concerned by a reported increase in individuals fraudulently entering the United States on non-immigrant visas in order to give birth in this country. While individuals are welcome to come to the U.S. on a tourist or other visa, it is against the law to apply for admission under false pretenses. The Committee is also concerned with reports that different ports of entry may not be consistently applying CBP guidance in this area, allowing individuals seeking to exploit the visa process to direct pregnant women to specific ports of entry with more lenient admission practices. The Committee directs CBP to investigate these fraud allegations and take steps to ensure that admission criteria are applied uniformly across ports of entry.
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