A House task force is investigating companies that assist foreign nationals in traveling to the United States to give birth, which may allow their children to obtain U.S. citizenship. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, who chairs the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses, stated that his panel has issued subpoenas to several birth tourism companies. He emphasized that current U.S. law prohibits entering the country for the purpose of giving birth.
Gill expressed concerns that these businesses may be engaging in criminal conspiracy by facilitating the entry of individuals into the U.S. under false pretenses. He cited State Department regulations that prevent foreign nationals from obtaining visitor visas if their primary intention is to give birth in the U.S.
The investigation gained attention following the circulation of images of a billboard promoting the Women’s Center at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas, which advertised services for childbirth. Gill noted that his task force is examining multiple similar operations nationwide.
The hospital's spokesperson stated that the billboard campaign was intended to highlight services for the local community and was not meant to promote illegal activities. They affirmed that the hospital operates in compliance with all applicable laws.
Gill and other lawmakers have indicated plans to pursue legislation to restrict birthright citizenship, citing concerns about the implications of birth tourism on U.S. immigration policy and national interests.