US Suspends Visa Program for Chinese Nationals Amid Fraud Concerns

On October 27, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Programme for Chinese nationals, effective October 30. This decision follows the revocation of over 100 visas in West and North Africa due to investigations into alleged birth-tourism fraud networks.

The programme had allowed eligible Chinese visitors to enter the US territory without conventional visas, raising concerns about immigration enforcement and national security. More than 3,000 Chinese nationals reportedly entered through this arrangement in the 2025 fiscal year.

The new restrictions require affected Chinese travellers to obtain appropriate US non-immigrant visas before visiting the Northern Mariana Islands, although those already admitted can complete their stays. This move is part of President Donald Trump's administration's broader efforts to tighten immigration controls, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing additional visa restrictions targeting individuals and organizations involved in commercial birth tourism.