Federal crackdown on California's underground birth tourism industry

Federal officials are cracking down on a secret birth tourism industry in California. This operation mainly involves Chinese nationals who pay baby brokers to ensure their children are born as U.S. citizens. Pregnant women are often kept in nice homes near Los Angeles, which locals have called “baby farms.” This illegal practice can cost over $100,000 per pregnancy. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said these businesses are criminal enterprises. He estimates that around 30,000 babies have been born through these schemes. Hotels and motels across the U.S. have noticed more pregnant Chinese women staying for long periods to give birth in America. Some wealthy couples choose surrogacy, where they pay American women to carry their child. Babies born this way also receive U.S. citizenship but often return to China right after birth. McNally pointed out that having a U.S. passport can be a security concern. He mentioned a case where a baby born in Irvine later joined the Chinese military while still holding a U.S. passport. While this practice is not illegal, McNally noted it poses many concerns. Parham Zar, who runs a surrogacy agency in Beverly Hills, claimed that most of his clients are not seeking U.S. citizenship out of bad intentions. He stated that surrogacy packages can cost around $200,000. The issue has raised political questions. Representative Harriet Hageman called the situation "strange and dystopian." She believes a national discussion is needed about the implications of allowing the buying and selling of wombs and children.