California man sentenced for facilitating foreign childbirth to obtain US citizenship

In Los Angeles, California, a man named Michael Wei Yueh Liu was sentenced to nearly 3.5 years in prison for running a business that assisted pregnant women from China in traveling to the United States to give birth. This operation, known as USA Happy Baby, allowed women to deliver babies who would automatically gain U.S. citizenship. From 2012 to 2015, authorities estimated that Liu's enterprise helped several hundred women take advantage of birthright citizenship laws. Liu's sentencing follows a conspiracy and money laundering conviction, where he and his wife, Phoebe Dong, were implicated in facilitating these births that exploited U.S. immigration regulations. With litigation stemming from raids conducted in 2015 and subsequent charges filed four years later, Liu's case reflects broader issues surrounding immigration law and birth tourism. Although visiting while pregnant is not illegal in the U.S., providing False information to immigration officials is against the law. Liu's attorney argued for a more lenient sentence, citing his role as a caretaker for his aging parents and his dedication to community service, supported by numerous character witnesses who testified on his behalf. During the hearing, Liu expressed remorse for his actions and requested mercy, noting the struggles his family has faced since the crackdown on his business. Despite Liu's pleas, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner emphasized that the defendant's choices led to the current legal consequences. Liu's business operations were part of a larger trend where similar businesses catered to women seeking to secure U.S. citizenship for their newborns, highlighting the ongoing complexities of immigration laws that govern birthright citizenship. Ultimately, Liu received a 41-month sentence, a reduction from the length prosecutors had recommended. His case underscores the significant penalties associated with actions that undermine respect for U.S. immigration laws. As Liu begins his sentence, his family faces increased vulnerability, which he noted in his statements during the proceedings. As legal authorities continue to combat similar operations, both Liu's case and the broader issue of birth tourism remain crucial topics in discussions around immigration policy in America.