The Trump administration moved Thursday to impose restrictions on tourist visas for pregnant foreign women to prevent so-called birth tourism aimed at gaining U.S. citizenship for the child. The rules, which take effect Friday, could make it more difficult for some women of child-bearing age to obtain visas, but it remained unclear how effective the restrictions will be. Consular officers already have broad discretion in issuing visas. They appear to allow broad discretion to consular officers who would have to judge a pregnant traveler’s motivations. But if women cite medical care as a reason for travel, or if a woman appears obviously pregnant, officers are allowed to inquire further to determine whether the women appear to be traveling only to give birth.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 23, 2020 21:42 UTC