DHS Suspends Visa-Free Travel Program for Chinese Nationals Over Birth Tourism and Security Concerns
The program had allowed more than 3,000 Chinese nationals to visit the islands in fiscal year 2025, officials said.
- On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension of the Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program for Chinese nationals visiting the Northern Mariana Islands, effective Oct. 30.
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin determined there was "good cause" to halt the program, citing concerns including espionage, human smuggling, birth tourism, and money laundering risks.
- Republican lawmakers, including Senators Mike Lee, Rick Scott, John Cornyn, and Bill Cassidy, previously urged termination, warning that the program—which saw more than 3,000 Chinese visitors in fiscal 2025—threatened national security.
- Future travelers from China must obtain a standard U.S. visa, though DHS acknowledged the suspension could impact businesses dependent on tourism; current visitors may remain until their authorized stays expire.
- No timetable has been announced for the program's possible reinstatement, as the department, in consultation with the State Department and Interior, continues evaluating the program's future.
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DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Suspends Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals Over National Security Concerns
Trump administration halts Biden-era travel program allowing Chinese citizens to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without visas, citing espionage concerns, birth tourism and immigration enforcement ... The post DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Suspends Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals Over National Security Concerns first appeared on [your]NEWS.
Visa-free travel for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands suspended over security concerns, raising fears for the territory's tourism industry
The Trump administration will suspend a visa-free travel program for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands, citing security concerns as local officials warn of tourism losses.
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DHS Halts Chinese visa-free travel to Marianas amid spy, smuggling fears, and birth tourism controversy
The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory perched on the edge of a strategic Pacific military hub, finds itself at the center of a geopolitical and economic storm. On October 30, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) axed a visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals, citing “unacceptable security risks” and allegations of birth tourism. Yet, the decision has ignited a firestorm of debate, with local leaders warning it could co…
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