Chinese nationals’ entry to maternity tourism in the United States is immensely perceived as an indication of a huge welfare demand gap between the two countries.
The U.S. has been long known for attracting Latin Americans and Asians to give birth on American soils at is one of the few countries that offer birthright citizenship.
On Tuesday, U.S. federal agents raided dozens of Chinese "maternity hotels" in South California. A number of Chinese were found to have spent 313,500 yuan ($50,000) just to land on the country and give birth. Birth tourism operators serve as the key mediators in the so-called "maternity tourism."
The federal agents have reportedly confiscated evidence leading to some law violations by the Chinese nationals. These include visa and marriages fraud and tax evasion.
U.S. commentators see this maternity tourism as exploitation in a 14th Amendment loophole. By this alarming kind of tourism, babies take advantage of U.S. taxes while their parents contribute a little.
Meanwhile, Chinese nationals expressed their concern over the Internet, citing the reality behind such birth-giving move. Giving their children a U.S. citizenship, according to their online posts, is seen as a means of securing quality education in the future. As well, as their children turn 21, they could easily apply for a green card.
Though neither provision in the Chinese law nor in the U.S. law is violated, maternity tourism poses a serious issue on the aspect of morality.
After giving birth on the American soil at a highly expensive amount, Chinese parents still have to face a number of problems such as dual nationality, China's and U.S.' different systems in offering citizenship, and some other schooling problems.
Comments have also raised arguments about how good educational background does not necessarily imply a bright future for an individual.
But one thing eagerly pointed out in the many train of thoughts on this concern is the alarming dissatisfaction of Chinese citizens on the aspect of social welfare. As an answer, China's government has been deepening reforms in an array of sectors, showing intensified efforts in improving its constituent's wellbeing.
The authorities are eyeing to legislate more measures that focus on promoting livelihoods for the Chinese people. These could pave the way in narrowing the welfare demand gap between China and the U.S., subsequently solving the maternity tourism issue.