The Trump administration has halted a program that, according to officials, was exploited by some Chinese citizens for birth tourism, possibly even involving espionage activities, particularly in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Initially, this Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program was established during the Biden administration through a Department of Homeland Security directive in January 2024. The intent was to relax visa requirements for Chinese nationals to foster tourism in the U.S. territory.
With the new regulations enacted in February 2025, certain prescreened Chinese tourists could travel to the islands for up to two weeks without needing a U.S. consular visa.
In a press release Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security stated that the initiative could be misused by pregnant women seeking American citizenship for their offspring. There were also serious concerns regarding issues like human trafficking and potential espionage in areas close to military installations.
This suspension took effect on Friday.
The congressional representative from the islands, expressed her dissatisfaction with the decision.
“Our tourism sector is already grappling with significant obstacles, and a long-term disruption could have dire implications for our businesses, workers, and families,” declared Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who is a Republican congressional delegate for the Northern Mariana Islands.
She mentioned plans to discuss the matter with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and President Trump in hopes of reinstating the program.
Others have cautioned that fewer tourists might also result in canceled flights to the islands, though, as of now, flight schedules remain unaffected.
The Marianas Visitors Authority is urging the government to seek alternative solutions to the issues identified.
“Tourism is the main economic driver of our economy,” the agency noted in a statement.
“We acknowledge the legitimate concerns raised,” the agency stated. “We are prepared to collaborate with our federal partners on solutions safeguarding national security while also considering the economic wellbeing of the residents in the Marianas.”
Additionally, the islands are still recovering from the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck earlier in 2026. Since tourism is the sole economic pillar in the Marianas, the implications of this new policy are particularly concerning.
The DHS reported that over 3,000 Chinese nationals utilized the program to visit the islands during the 2025 fiscal year.
