DHS halts program in the Northern Mariana Islands that opened the door to birth tourism and other vulnerabilities
WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today took decisive action to protect American sovereignty and the rule of law. It is suspending visa-free travel for Chinese nationals to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The program allowed the islands to stay a hot spot for Chinese birth tourism and national security vulnerabilities.
Under the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), Chinese nationals could access the islands for up to 14 days with no visa and no consular interview. With the program suspended, Chinese nationals must go through the same visa process required to enter anywhere else in the United States. DHS is conducting a full review of the program with the Departments of State and the Interior and is addressing current threats.
“Protecting American soil means knowing who is coming into our country,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Visa-free travel to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands opens the door to Chinese birth tourism and national security threats. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re putting a stop to the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program and putting the American people first. American citizenship is not a travel perk.”
This action is the latest step in the Trump Administration’s work to secure every part of the homeland and restore integrity to the U.S. immigration system.
What this means for travelers:
- Chinese nationals planning to visit the CNMI for business or tourism must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before they travel.
- DHS is no longer accepting new EVS-TAP applications, and existing travel authorizations will be canceled.
The notice is available in the Federal Register here.