US lawmaker seeks tougher measures against birth tourism

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — US Representative Harriet Hageman has asked the Trump administration to take additional measures against foreign nationals using surrogacy arrangements to obtain US citizenship for their children. In a letter to the White House, Hageman described President Donald Trump’s executive order on “birth tourism” as an important step, but said current rules still leave gaps for obtaining citizenship through childbirth in the United States. Hageman proposed denying visas to people involved in surrogacy arrangements and prosecuting clinics and surrogate-mother agencies that recruit clients from overseas. She also raised concerns about the exploitation of women and children and possible effects on national security and immigration. Citing lawsuits involving legal and humanitarian issues arising from international surrogacy agreements, Hageman called for more comprehensive federal action to close the gaps and regulate the industry. The source did not provide details on the administration’s response.