Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding birthright citizenship, the Justice Department directs federal prosecutors to prioritize investigations and potential fraud-related charges involving so-called “birth tourism,” which the administration describes as travel to the United States primarily to give birth and secure citizenship for a child. Multiple outlets report that a Justice Department memo—issued from the office of the deputy attorney general or associated directive following the Court’s decision—orders staff to focus on “birth tourism” schemes and pursue cases under fraud and related theories where applicable. The Justice Department also signals coordination with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to stop conduct it characterizes as misuse of lawful status or entry processes.
In addition, reporting links the Justice Department’s approach to possible steps by the Department of Homeland Security, including efforts aimed at visa application or travel processes to minimize what officials describe as opportunities for people to enter temporarily and give birth in order to obtain citizenship. Outlets also describe official vows to look at prosecuting companies that allegedly assist with organizing such trips. While some coverage cites estimates of the small share of U.S. births potentially attributed to “birth tourism,” the administration’s stated focus is on enforcement and investigations rather than changing the constitutional rule affirmed by the Supreme Court.
