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Temperature sensors to contain the coronavirus 1:51
(CNN) - The Trump administration will implement a new policy on Friday to make it harder for foreign citizens to travel to give birth on American soil to ensure their children become citizens of that country, a practice commonly known as “tourism of birth. "
The new rules will take effect on January 25, according to a cable from the State Department obtained by CNN, which was sent Wednesday to embassies around the world.
Consular officials are told that they cannot directly ask a woman if she is pregnant, according to the cable.
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“You should not ask a visa applicant if she is pregnant unless she has a specific reason to believe she may be pregnant and plans to give birth in the United States. You must document this reason in your case notes, ”says the message. "You should not, of course, ask all applicants (or any specific subset of applicants) if they are pregnant or if they intend to get pregnant."
To visitors to the US Temporary visas will be denied if it is determined that the “main purpose” of the trip is to obtain US citizenship of a child by giving birth in the US, according to an amended regulation of the State Department to be published on Friday.
- READ: For the first time the US arrests “birth tourism” operators linked to China
CNN informed earlier this week that this policy was expected to be announced soon. A State Department official told CNN that the rule change aims to address national security and law enforcement risks.
Under the rule, the State Department "does not believe that visiting the United States with the primary purpose of obtaining US citizenship" for a child "is a legitimate activity."
- MORE: USA will modify visa guidelines to curb 'birth tourism', according to official
The rule is specific for “B nonimmigrant” visas, which are granted to temporary visitors for business or tourism.
In addition, the regulation requires visa applicants seeking medical treatment in the US. They must demonstrate their treatment arrangements and establish their ability to pay all associated costs.
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