US Justice Department: No Letup in Birth Tourism Prosecution

• The Trump administration instructed US attorneys' offices to prioritize prosecution of 'birth tourism' schemes.
• Stepped-up enforcement during that period led to intense scrutiny of visa applicants and travelers to the US.
• Charges were brought against those facilitating birth tourism activities.
• Former consular officials and federal prosecutors warned of increased scrutiny of visa applications and travel to the US during that time.

The Justice Department, under the Trump administration, told US attorneys' offices and the Criminal Division to prioritize the prosecution of birth tourism schemes.

The Trump administration cracked down on 'birth tourism' schemes, where foreign nationals travel to the US with the intention of giving birth. The Justice Department, during that administration, instructed US attorneys' offices and the Criminal Division to prioritize the prosecution of these schemes. This move led to intense scrutiny of visa applicants and travelers to the US, as well as charges for those facilitating birth tourism. Former consular officials and federal prosecutors warned that stepped-up enforcement would result in a more rigorous examination of visa applications and travel to the US.

The Trump administration's focus on birth tourism came after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at limiting access to birthright citizenship. The Justice Department, under the Trump administration, worked with Republican allies to end 'birth tourism' and prevent foreign nationals from exploiting US immigration laws for personal gain. This effort was part of a broader push to strengthen US immigration enforcement and prevent abuse of the system.

The stepped-up enforcement of birth tourism schemes during the Trump administration had significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers, who had to be aware of the increased scrutiny of visa applicants and travelers to the US. As the Trump administration cracked down on these schemes, it was essential for individuals and organizations involved in international travel and immigration to understand the potential risks and consequences. This included being prepared for intense questioning and potential charges related to facilitating birth tourism.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for stepped-up enforcement of birth tourism schemes, which could result in intense scrutiny of visa applicants and travelers to the US, and charges for people facilitating these activities.

Source: Original reporting via Bloomberg Law, The Hill, CNN, CNBC