Birth tourism booming
Wealthy Chinese are the latest group taking advantage of the US’s policy of “Birth Tourism,” which allows foreigners coming to the US to arrange having babies born here to instantly get citizenship.
Foreign babies born here become “birthright citizens” under an interpretation of the 14th Amendment, according to Red Alert.
A Washington Post article noted the trend with the headline:
“For many pregnant Chinese a US passport for a baby remains a powerful lure.”
Some Chinese are taking advantage of three California-based baby care centers that encourage the trips with fees starting at US$14,750 for a three month-stay in the US.
The story “Ignited a firestorm” that has led to US Congressmen to call for legislation to stop the practice.
There were no immediate numbers of such babies but Rep. Steve King of Iowa said one estimate was that 750,000 births or one of every six babies comes from foreigners visiting here.
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1868 with the main purpose of preventing states from denying rights to African-Americans.
Birth tourism companies are able to arrange foreign trips to major US cities such as New York and Chicago at prices of up to $40,000 for packages that include flights, living accommodations for several months and even hospital expenses.
A National Public Radio account said advantages of babies born in the US include free public education and reduced college costs. Another reason for the Chinese to arrange child births here is that country’s strict one-child law.
By David Wilkening
David
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