US ends Pacific visa waiver over birth tourism, people smuggling allegations

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The United States suspended a visa-waiver programme that allowed Chinese visitors to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. The Department of Homeland Security cited allegations involving birth tourism and people smuggling, while Senator Mike Lee characterized the programme as a loophole.

Washington has suspended visa-free entry for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands amid allegations of birth tourism and people smuggling in the US territory. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday the suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Programme. US Senator Mike Lee hailed the move on social media, calling the programme a “Biden-era loophole for Chinese birth tourism” and praising...