Soccer World Cup and Birth Tourism

More than a million visitors are projected to come to the United States this summer for the Soccer World Cup. This influx is being described as “sports tourism.”

On “The Drill Down,” host Peter Schweitzer expresses a focus on what he calls “birth tourism.” He highlights recent actions from the Trump administration aimed at halting this practice associated with foreign women giving birth in the U.S. to secure citizenship for their children.

“The Trump administration has taken steps against networks in Africa that facilitate birth tourism,” Schweitzer explains. “Women from various countries, including China, Russia, and Turkey, are entering the United States to give birth, allowing their children to become American citizens.” He notes that this has been deemed positive news.

The U.S. Embassy in West Africa recently dismantled a significant birth tourism operation where over 100 foreign nationals used fake documents and “visa fixers” to obtain U.S. visas for their children’s citizenship. “We noted about 400 suspicious incidents in European embassies since 2024,” Schweitzer adds. “There was also a similar operation in North Africa that led to the cancellation of over 100 visas, all under what’s known as maternity tourism… This is definitely a step in the right direction.”

In his latest bestseller, Invisible Coup, Schweitzer delves deeper into the birth tourism issue, particularly concerning the Chinese. He had briefed the president and several Cabinet members about the book before its release. Details from it are now part of the administration’s briefs in a Supreme Court case regarding birthright citizenship.

“Your research is reflected in this book,” co-host Eric Eggers pointed out to Schweitzer, noting a shift from past administration policies.

“The previous administrations, namely Obama and Biden, essentially downplayed birth tourism,” Schweitzer notes. “They instructed Customs and Border Protection to avoid probing into the situations of pregnant individuals entering the U.S. If someone was identified as coming solely to give birth, that concern was overlooked.” He remarks that the current administration is reversing this trend.

He continues, “It’s a significant issue, especially concerning China, where estimates suggest thousands, perhaps even 100,000 people travel here each year for this reason.”

The Trump administration’s concerns stretch beyond just individual cases of birth tourism. Schweitzer mentions instances involving political elites and drug cartel figures. For instance, the head of the Sinaloa cartel has sent his children and wife to the U.S. to give birth. “This is a serious matter,” he says, stressing the need to confront these issues head-on.

Despite the controversies, Schweitzer expresses pride in the U.S., remarking, “Even officials from the Chinese Communist Party, who have strong disdain for us, choose to give birth here. They don’t do this in Russia or elsewhere, which highlights America’s appeal.”

Social media is brimming with posts from European soccer fans in the U.S., praising American experiences like Buc-ee’s brisket sandwiches and the unique charm of Waffle House’s pancakes. Such reactions remind Americans, amid current divisions, of the wonders their country holds.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. U.S. immigration authorities have also recently turned away qualified referees from Somalia and staff from the Iranian team due to their associations with dubious organizations. For example, Omar Abdullah Kadir Altan’s entry was denied over suspicions of ties to al-Shabab.

“The Iranian team encountered issues as some support staff were not granted entry,” Schweitzer explains, noting that they are now based in Mexico instead of Arizona due to security concerns.

Eggers adds that these claims are not exaggerated. Key figures in Iranian soccer have past connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raising flags about their presence in the U.S.

Schweitzer recalls how, during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, such guards were deployed to monitor crowds. “There’s a history to these concerns,” he says.

According to Eggers, some have suggested that President Trump’s immigration policies are overshadowing the excitement of the World Cup. Yet, he emphasizes that these policies are justified by past activities associated with countries like Iran.

Additionally, travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo have also faced entry denials due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks.

Eggers concludes, “It isn’t just about those from Iran or Somalia.”

The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings for Americans planning to go to Mexico for matches. “I’m not sure why Americans would consider watching a game there,” Eggers remarks, citing safety concerns given that a large portion of Mexico is under cartel control. Certain stadiums may be located in areas heavily influenced by these criminal organizations.

He adds that Mexico is deploying 100,000 troops for event security. However, the State Department has warned travelers about risks like crime and kidnapping, especially at night.

Despite these issues, Schweitzer maintains optimism. “This is a moment to celebrate our nation,” he says, as the country marks its 250th anniversary. “The reactions from visitors experiencing America for the first time show just how remarkable this place is, even amidst our divides.”