Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
US to suspend visa-free travel program for Chinese visitors to Northern Mariana Islands
The US Department of Homeland Security will suspend visa-free travel for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands from October 30.
The program let prescreened Chinese nationals visit the US territory for up to 14 days without getting a visa through a US consulate.
More than 3,000 Chinese nationals used the program in the 2025 fiscal year, according to the department.
DHS says the program could make birth tourism easier and raise concerns about espionage and illegal travel onward to nearby Guam, a US military hub.
The department also warned that birth tourism can put pressure on the islands’ medical system, but gave no figure for births linked to program users.
The suspension covers new and already approved travelers; people already in the territory may complete their authorized stays but will need a visa for future visits unless another legal exception applies.
DHS will review the program with two other departments before deciding what happens next.
The Trump administration is suspending a visa-free travel program for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands.
The program allowed prescreened Chinese nationals to visit the U.S. territory for up to 14 days without a visa.
The Department of Homeland Security cited concerns about birth tourism, espionage and illegal onward travel to Guam.
The suspension is set to take effect at 2 p.m. EDT on October 30 and will cover new applicants and people already approved.
More than 3,000 Chinese nationals used the program to enter the islands in fiscal year 2025, according to DHS.
- Who
- The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is suspending the program. It applies to Chinese nationals seeking to visit the Northern Mariana Islands.
- What
- A visa-free travel program for Chinese visitors is being suspended.
- When
- The suspension is set to take effect at 2 p.m. EDT on October 30. The year is not stated.
- Where
- The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory.
- Why
- DHS cited concerns about birth tourism, espionage and illegal onward travel to Guam.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The visa-free program was created.
The program took effect.
Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Tom Tiffany raised concerns about the program, according to Roy’s press office.
Senators Mike Lee, Rick Scott, John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy urged Mullin to end the program.
More than 3,000 Chinese nationals used the program to enter the Northern Mariana Islands, according to DHS.
The suspension is set to take effect at 2 p.m. EDT.
- Maximum stay
- Up to 14 days without a visa
- Program name
- Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program
- Users
- More than 3,000 Chinese nationals in fiscal year 2025
- Effective time
- 2 p.m. EDT on October 30
- Review
- DHS will evaluate the program with the secretaries of state and the interior
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What people are saying
America is not a nursery for the CCP to steal citizenship