US State Department establishes task force to end ‘birth tourism’

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The U.S. Department of State made a new task force to end "birth tourism." Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that would outlaw the practice.

Birth tourism refers to expecting mothers traveling to the U.S. to obtain citizenship for their children, according to the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs.

The Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force will review visa holders' activities to find instances of birth tourism, the Department of State said. The task force will take action to revoke visas of those who engage in or facilitate it.

The Department of State said the task force already removed more than 600 visas. The Department generally revokes visas when it sees indications of a potential ineligibility.

A news release said the Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force will also "dismantle the networks that profit" from birth tourism. It said it will analyze information held across the department and other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to address birth tourism instances.

The department alleged some facilitators market themselves as doulas, midwives or wellness advocates while advertising “birth in the U.S.” services, visa coaching and hospital arrangements.

"The Secretary has broad discretionary authority to revoke visas," the Department said in the news release. "The Trump Administration is committed to exercising that authority to protect the American people and the integrity of our immigration system."

In July, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order directing state agencies to investigate and eliminate birth tourism schemes in Texas.