The Department of Homeland Security is suspending a visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals visiting the Northern Mariana Islands, citing concerns over birth tourism and national security risks. The move targets the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program, a Biden-era initiative that allowed prescreened Chinese citizens to enter the territory for up to 14 days without obtaining a visa through a U.S. consulate.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced the suspension in a notice that referenced the potential for espionage and illegal onward travel to nearby Guam, a major hub for U.S. military operations. The department stated that while travelers were screened by Customs and Border Protection, the reduced vetting process could lower barriers to birth tourism and intelligence gathering near facilities such as Tinian Air Base.
The decision follows pressure from Republican lawmakers who warned the program created a loophole for citizenship acquisition. Senators Mike Lee of Utah, Rick Scott of Florida, John Cornyn of Texas, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana urged Mullin to end the program in April. Lee, who referred to the Chinese Communist Party in a post on X, stated, "America is not a nursery for the CCP to steal citizenship." Representatives Chip Roy of Texas and Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin had also raised concerns about the program in March.
According to DHS data, more than 3,000 Chinese nationals used the program to enter the Northern Mariana Islands during fiscal year 2025. The notice did not provide a specific count of births linked to travelers who entered through this authorization. The department warned that the program could strain the islands' medical system and facilitate intelligence collection near U.S. military installations in Guam.
The suspension takes effect at 2 p.m. EDT on Oct. 30. It applies to both new applicants and those already approved for travel. Individuals currently in the territory under the program may complete their authorized stays but will require a visa for future visits unless another lawful exception applies. DHS said it will maintain the suspension while evaluating the program in coordination with the secretaries of state and the interior.
This action is part of a broader administration effort to restrict birth tourism. A State Department task force launched on Aug. 12 had revoked more than 750 visas tied to suspected birth tourism activity by late August. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told Fox News Digital that officials are working with international partners to identify travel patterns associated with networks that help visitors conceal their trip's purpose and avoid medical bills. The Northern Mariana Islands program remains separate from the visitor visa process targeted by those revocations.