The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has temporarily halted a visa program, citing growing concerns over birth tourism, foreign espionage risks, and unauthorized travel to nearby Guam as key factors in the decision. Officials have flagged the program’s potential misuse, where individuals may exploit it to bypass immigration laws or engage in covert activities. The suspension reflects broader efforts to tighten oversight amid rising cases of fraudulent applications and security vulnerabilities. Details on how long the pause will last and what alternatives may be offered remain unclear.
DHS cited birth tourism, espionage concerns and illegal travel to nearby Guam in announcing the program suspension.
