The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering restricting pregnant foreign women from entering the United States following the Supreme Court’s decision blocking his executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
The proposed measure forms part of the administration’s broader campaign against what it describes as “birth tourism”—the practice of foreign nationals travelling to the United States to give birth so their children automatically acquire American citizenship.
Speaking on the proposal, senior White House adviser Stephen Miller said the administration would closely examine policies that could prevent women in the late stages of pregnancy from entering the country.
“You have to now think very carefully about who you let into your country, even on a temporary basis because of the possibility for birth tourism.”
According to Miller, women who travel to the United States shortly before giving birth create “a lifetime American citizen” who may later qualify for government benefits.
“There are a lot of things we need to have a hard look at.”
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said President Trump remains committed to protecting the value of American citizenship and has instructed Congress to take action on the issue. She also disclosed that the Department of Justice would prioritise investigations into alleged birth tourism schemes.
Department of Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin also backed possible restrictions, arguing that some foreign nationals intentionally travel to the United States during the final weeks of pregnancy to give birth before returning to their home countries. He said the practice could present national security concerns.
