A California woman has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for her involvement in a business that facilitated pregnant Chinese women traveling to the United States to give birth, granting their babies American citizenship.
Phoebe Dong, along with her husband, was convicted of conspiracy and money laundering through their company, USA Happy Baby. The sentencing took place in a federal court in Los Angeles, where US District Judge R. Gary Klausner handed Dong a 41-month sentence.
The case sheds light on the controversial practice of 'birth tourism,' where foreign nationals come to the US to give birth, securing American citizenship for their children. This issue gained prominence during President Donald Trump's administration, who attempted to restrict birthright citizenship through an executive order.
Dong's sentencing is part of a broader crackdown on birth tourism schemes that cater to individuals from various countries, including China, Russia, and Nigeria. The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to any child born in the United States, making these trips an attractive option for parents seeking better opportunities for their offspring.
During her sentencing hearing, Dong emotionally recounted her upbringing in China under the one-child policy and expressed her desire to assist Chinese women in having additional children in the US. Federal prosecutors sought a longer sentence for Dong, alleging that she helped over 100 pregnant Chinese women deceive US authorities to obtain citizenship for their children.
Despite her lawyer's request for a delayed sentence due to her three children, Judge Klausner ordered Dong to be taken into custody immediately. Dong's attorney plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the sentence is disproportionate to her actions.
The USA Happy Baby case is part of a larger investigation into businesses facilitating birth tourism in California. While some individuals involved have faced legal consequences, others remain at large or have received shorter prison terms.
As the debate over birthright citizenship continues, cases like Dong's highlight the complexities surrounding immigration and citizenship laws in the United States.
