US to Announce Measures to Prevent 'Wonjeong Birth Tourism' on 23rd... 'Strict Scrutiny Expected on Pregnant Women's Visit Purposes'

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] It is expected to become more difficult for pregnant women to obtain U.S. visas. On the 23rd (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced plans to tighten the requirements for tourist visas issued to pregnant women engaging in "wonjeong chulsan" (birth tourism).

On the 22nd, AP News reported, citing an anonymous U.S. Department of State official, that it will become harder for pregnant women to obtain short-term U.S. visas.

The U.S. Department of State is reportedly considering introducing a procedure at the consulate stage to verify whether the purpose of the visit by pregnant women is legitimate before issuing visas.

The United States has traditionally granted citizenship to children born on U.S. soil. President Donald Trump has pursued policies to strengthen immigration regulations, particularly struggling with the issue of granting citizenship at birth.

This new measure appears to focus on eradicating a form of "wonjeong chulsan" (birth tourism). However, concerns have been raised about how to determine if a visa applicant is pregnant and whether border officials can turn them away based solely on appearance.

Until now, "wonjeong chulsan" has been known as a form of "birth tourism" in the U.S. and has been problematic. There are even companies that provide comprehensive services in the U.S., from accommodation to hospital care. Although U.S. authorities have punished these companies for visa fraud and tax evasion, children born in the U.S. legally acquire citizenship under the current constitution.

There are no exact statistics on wonjeong chulsan, but according to an immigration-related study, as of 2012, about 36,000 women gave birth and then returned to their home countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.