Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 18
Gill Subpoenas 4 Birth Tourism Firms, Eyes Criminal Conspiracy Charges
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 18

Gill Subpoenas 4 Birth Tourism Firms, Eyes Criminal Conspiracy Charges

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 18

Summary

  • Several birth-tourism companies have been subpoenaed by Rep. Brandon Gill’s House task force, which is examining whether firms helping foreign nationals come to the U.S. to give birth are part of a criminal conspiracy.
  • Four businesses are in the probe — one in Miami and three others nationwide — after July photos of a Texas billboard advertised births for $3,950 and C-sections for $5,525 to cross-border customers.
  • Gill argues current law already bars travel to the United States for the purpose of securing citizenship for a child, and says companies may be facilitating false statements on visa or immigration forms.
  • Mission Regional Medical Center, tied to the now-defunct Texas ad, said the campaign was quickly discontinued, brought little patient volume or financial benefit, and was never meant to encourage unlawful activity.
  • The subpoenas add to a broader Republican push to curb birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court’s June 30 ruling, with lawmakers citing Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s note that Congress could still legislate.

Insights

Why has 'birth tourism,' affecting so few births, prompted such a major government response?
Can Congress legally redefine birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling?