U.S. President Donald Trump has signed two new executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship.
The U.S. Supreme Court has already declared his previous attempt unconstitutional. Under the new orders, a ban has been imposed on “birth tourism,” in which people travel to the United States specifically to give birth in order to secure U.S. citizenship for their child.
The orders also seek to restrict automatic U.S. citizenship for children of foreign government officials stationed in the United States and children belonging to certain other specified categories.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that visas would no longer be issued to foreigners who travel to the United States for the purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for their child simply by giving birth there.
President Trump criticised the Supreme Court’s decision, saying the current interpretation of birthright citizenship was being misused and that some people had turned it into a business.
Legal experts say the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to all children born in the United States. Experts say Trump’s new executive orders are also likely to face legal challenges in the courts.
The issue is different from ordinary medical travel. US government guidance still allows foreign nationals to apply for visitor visas for legitimate medical treatment, provided they meet visa requirements. However, travelling on a visitor visa primarily for birth tourism is specifically listed as an impermissible purpose.
Pakistanis get exemption from new US visa bond rule
Pakistanis have been exempted from the $20,000 financial guarantee requirement for US visas.
The United States has made its 2025 Visa Bond Pilot Programme permanent.
Pakistan’s name is not included in the list of countries covered under the programme. Afghanistan, Iran, and India are also not included.
According to an international online publication, 50 countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and several African countries are part of the list.
Under the new rules, the limit for the refundable bond required from business and tourist visa applicants has been increased from $15,000 to $20,000.
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