US ends visa waiver for Chinese over birth tourism, people smuggling allegations
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 Authorization Program. US Senator Mike Lee hailed the move on…
The US Department of Homeland Security has suspended visa-free entry for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands due to allegations of birth tourism and people smuggling. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, also known as EVS-TAP, allowed pre-screened Chinese nationals to visit the islands for up to 14 days without a US visa.
The program will be cancelled from October 30, although those already in the territory may complete their authorized stays. Over 3,000 Chinese nationals entered under EVS-TAP in the 2025 financial year. DHS officials claim that PRC nationals are exploiting the program, leading to the decision to suspend it.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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