H.R. 9850: No Deliveries Act

This bill would create a new federal crime related to what is commonly called “birth tourism.” In general terms, it would make it illegal for someone to enter the United States knowing they are coming for the purpose of giving birth to a child who would not otherwise have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parents, and to misrepresent that purpose.

What the bill changes

• It amends an existing federal criminal law dealing with immigration document fraud.
• It adds a specific offense for people who come to the United States to give birth and lie about that reason for entering.
• It sets a minimum prison sentence of 10 years if the child is actually born in the United States.
• It keeps a maximum sentence of 25 years for the offense.
• It gives federal district courts authority to issue a removal order at sentencing for a non-citizen convicted under this section.

Practical effect

If enacted, the law would target people who travel to the United States specifically to have a child here and who hide or falsely state that reason when entering the country. The bill would expose those individuals to substantial criminal penalties, and in some cases it would allow the court to order removal from the United States when sentencing occurs.

Relevant Companies

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