“As a U.S. federal immigration attorney with more than three decades of experience, I have seen firsthand that effective immigration policy must balance enforcement objectives with constitutional protections and human dignity.”
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent reaffirmation of birthright citizenship has shifted the national conversation from constitutional interpretation to broader questions about immigration policy and border enforcement. As a U.S. federal immigration attorney with more than three decades of experience, I believe this is an important moment to pursue solutions that protect the integrity of our immigration system while safeguarding the constitutional principles that define our nation.
There is no doubt that the United States has a legitimate interest in preventing abuse of its immigration laws. Visitor visas should not be used primarily as a pathway to obtain U.S. citizenship for children through organized birth tourism schemes. Commercial enterprises that facilitate visa fraud or exploit loopholes in the immigration system should be investigated and prosecuted under existing law.
At the same time, any effort to address birth tourism must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences. Broad restrictions targeting pregnant travelers risk leading to profiling based on pregnancy or nationality, intrusive questioning of legitimate visitors, and potential violations of civil rights. Such measures could disproportionately affect tourists, students, business travelers, and individuals visiting family members for entirely lawful purposes.
In my view, the most effective approach is the one recommended by the Migration Policy Institute: enforce existing visa fraud laws vigorously while focusing enforcement efforts on commercial birth tourism operators rather than imposing blanket restrictions on expectant mothers.
As a U.S. federal immigration attorney with more than three decades of experience, I have seen firsthand that effective immigration policy must balance enforcement objectives with constitutional protections and human dignity.
Protecting the integrity of our immigration system and preserving constitutional values should remain complementary—not competing—goals.
The United States has long been strengthened by both the rule of law and its commitment to individual rights. We should continue to uphold both principles as we address evolving immigration challenges.
To every person waiting: You are not alone. Your contributions matter. Your future matters. And your story matters.
