Economist Daniel Di Martino has highlighted a specific U.S. visa policy as a readily solvable factor contributing to "birth tourism," particularly in the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Di Martino, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a PhD candidate at Columbia University, asserted that the issue, while significant, possesses a straightforward resolution. His remarks underscore an ongoing debate surrounding birthright citizenship and immigration policies.
In a recent statement shared by Young America's Foundation (YAF), Di Martino stated, > "Birth tourism...is a big problem...but it's actually much easier to solve....Did you know that we don't require visas of Chinese nationals who visit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands? ...You can do this in one day." This direct quote emphasizes his belief in the immediate impact of altering specific visa regulations.
Birth tourism involves individuals traveling to a country primarily to give birth there, thereby securing citizenship for their child under the principle of jus soli, or birthright citizenship. In the United States, this right is enshrined in the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction. This constitutional provision has been a focal point of debate and legal challenges.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam operate under a special visa waiver program, allowing citizens from certain countries, including China, to enter without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business. This policy, designed to boost local economies, has inadvertently become a pathway for pregnant foreign nationals seeking to gain U.S. citizenship for their newborns. Reports indicate a notable increase in births to non-resident mothers in these territories.
Recent attempts to curtail birthright citizenship through executive action have faced significant legal hurdles. Federal appeals courts have consistently ruled against executive orders seeking to restrict birthright citizenship, affirming that such measures contradict the plain language of the 14th Amendment. These rulings emphasize that constitutional protections for birthright citizenship remain largely unchanged, despite political efforts to redefine them.
Di Martino, who grew up in Venezuela and experienced the consequences of socialism firsthand, frequently speaks on economic and immigration issues. His advocacy often centers on policies he believes will strengthen American liberties and economic prosperity. His suggestion for a swift resolution to birth tourism by adjusting visa requirements reflects a broader conservative perspective on immigration control and national sovereignty.